Former activity director for Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home
Published in the July 21, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Marilyn D. (McCann) Curran, 87, of Melrose, died peacefully on July 11, 2017.
Marilyn was born in Melrose on June 14, 1930 to Norman and Mary (McCarthy) McCann. She was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School in 1948. She went on to earn an associate’s degree from Mount Ida College in 1950.
Marilyn married Peter Curran and they raised their five children in Melrose. She was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Melrose, and was a lifelong Catholic and a true believer in Jesus Christ. After her children had grown she started a job as the activity director for the Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home, and continued to work there for 25 years. She loved working there and felt as though she found her calling.
Marilyn had a very giving spirit and spent much of her spare time volunteering. She served as the den mother for the Cub Scouts, treasurer for the Melrose Little League and was president of the Melrose Mental Health Association. Marilyn was also an avid tennis player and had a passion for Boston sports. She enjoyed traveling to Washington, D.C., Canada and the beach. In addition, Marilyn had a love for music and animals. She had a great sense of humor and she loved to laugh. Most importantly, Marilyn loved her family above all else. She was at her happiest when she was surrounded by her loving family.
Marilyn was the beloved wife of Peter V. Curran of Melrose. She was the loving mother of Peter C. Curran and his wife Ashley of Boston, Mary Ellen Tripp and her husband Scott of Windham, Maine, Michael G. Curran of Melrose, Joseph F. Curran and his wife Damie of Merrimac, and Stephen W. Curran of Melrose. She was the cherished grandmother of Richard, Christine, Sydney, Joseph, John, Amanda and Damien. She was the proud great-grandmother of Camryn, Gianna, Chatham, Gabriella, Mason and Caleb. She was also the caring sister of the late Mary Ellen Merz, Barbara Ayers and Marjorie Byrne. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose, on Tuesday, July 18. Interment followed the Mass at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit gatelyfh.com.
