Marylyn Ann (Atwood) McAleer

WEST BOYLSTON - With deep sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of Marylyn Ann (Atwood) McAleer, age 89, on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the Oakdale Rehabilitation/Nursing Center in West Boylston, MA.  After nearly three decades residing in Phoenix, AZ, Marylyn returned to West Boylston to be with her son Michael and his family.

Marylyn graced this world in 1935 in Warwick, RI, born to Clarence W. Atwood and Earla Mae (Thurber) Atwood. She proudly graduated from Samuel Gorton High School in Warwick with the class of 1953.

On September 7, 1954, Marylyn entered into matrimony with the love of her life, Joseph R.K. McAleer, upon his return from serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Together, they embarked on a journey that led them to North Adams, MA, where they nurtured a beautiful family.  Marylyn's professional life saw her serving as a dedicated company secretary and bookkeeper across New England and later in Arizona until her well-deserved retirement.  However, her most cherished role was that of a mother, embodying traits of boundless love, resilience, and benevolence, which she extended not only to her immediate family but also to a vast circle of friends and loved ones.

Marylyn is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Clarence (1990) and Earla Mae (1997), her husband Joseph (1991), and her two daughters, Elizabeth Ann (McAleer) Katz (2005) and Eileen Marie McAleer (2015). She is survived by her dear brother, Earl E. Atwood, and his wife, Betty Lou, of Scottsdale, AZ, her son Michael and daughter-in-law Janice of West Boylston, as well as 5 grandchildren: Jeffrey, David, Jessica, Randy, and Hannah, 10 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A calling hour to honor Marylyn's life, brimming with love, will take place on Saturday April 20, 2024 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm followed by a prayer service at 5:30 pm at Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester.  Burial in Coventry, RI will be private.   

In loving memory, Marylyn's spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.