Enjoyed reading and trips to Utah and Florida
WAKEFIELD — Barbara J. Marullo, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away on Sunday, July 28 at Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading with her beloved family by her side. She was 68.
Barbara was born on May 14, 1956 in Somerville, one of nine children of the late Joseph J. and Mary (Daly) Phillion. She grew up in Somerville, graduating from Matignon H.S. in Cambridge in 1974. She furthered her education at Boston University earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1979.
Barbara dedicated her life to nursing where she compassionately cared for patients and tirelessly worked to improve systems that supported both caregivers and patients. She ended her career at Melrose Wakefield hospital where she had worked for the last 35 years. Known for her selflessness and resilience, Barbara made numerous lifelong friends through her work, always putting others first and striving to make a positive impact on those around her.
On February 17, 1980, Barbara married her loving husband Joseph G. Marullo and together they settled in Wakefield in 1988 where they raised their two sons Joseph and Gregory. Barbara’s dedication to her family was unmatched. She cherished spending time with her many nieces and nephews and more recently with her four grandchildren.
Barbara had a fierce independence and a generous spirit that touched all who knew her. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as being home with family, reading a good book, activities with her granddaughter Olivia, going to parties with her brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews (and the children of her nieces and nephews), trips to Utah to see her grandsons and trips to Palm Harbor, FL to see her dear friends.
Barbara’s legacy of kindness, compassion and dedication to others will forever be remembered by all whose lives she touched. Her compassion knew no bounds. Her family will always remember her as the person whom they called for help and she always sacrificed her time willingly. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Barbara was the beloved wife of Joseph G. Marullo with whom she shared 44 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Joseph G. Marullo and his wife Bethany of Salt Lake City, UT and Gregory E. Marullo and his wife Tracy of Billerica. Loving sister of Joseph Phillion and his wife Marty of Melrose; David Phillion and his wife Lisa of Medford; Ann Marie Phillion of Melrose; Stephen Phillion of VA; Joyce Griffin and her husband Jay of Stoneham; Ruth Cote and her husband Steven of Stoneham; and the late Eileen Phillion and Rita Lopinski. Cherished grandmother of Olivia, Michael “Gus”, Joseph and Peter. Loving Cousin of Debbie Daly of Wilmington.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Barbara’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, July 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. to be followed by an 11 a.m. funeral Mass on Thursday, August 1 at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield (please meet at church). In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Barbara may be made to Mission of Deeds, 6 Chapin Ave., Reading, MA 01867. For online tribute, please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
