Published in the September 4, 2015 edition

Marion-McDermod-obit-9-4-15-webMELROSE — Marion W. (Simpson) McDermod, 90, of Melrose, passed away peacefully at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

One of four children of the late William T. S. and Sarah R. (Hughes) Simpson, Marion was born in Mussleboro, Scotland and came to the United States at age 4. Raised in Malden, she graduated from Malden High School, Class of 1943. In June 1944, at the young age of 19, she married her high school sweetheart before he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After he returned home, they settled in Melrose to raise two sons.

Marion was a doting mother and loving wife while also working at the Elhide Company as a bookkeeper. She was a natural bookkeeper with her sharp mind for math and enjoyed her 30-year working career. During her working years, she always made it a priority to be home when her sons were home from school. She was an active volunteer with the Lincoln School PTA and actively supported the Salvation Army in Malden. A spiritual woman, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Melrose for several years.

In her free time, Marion loved knitting, crocheting and candlepin bowling. She and Richie were members of bowling leagues that met once a week for many years. She also was a lifelong piano player, loved music and dancing. She and Richie could often be found ballroom dancing or tap dancing any night of the week. Her other interests included a love for the “golden classic” movies, senior citizen trips, crossword puzzles, lunches at the 99 with Richie and reading the TV Guide every week. Throughout her life, she remained proud of her Scottish heritage and loved Scottish thistle. After living in Melrose for many years, she found a new home at Atria Maplewood Place in Malden, where she enjoyed living.

Marion was an outgoing woman who loved a good time. She always dressed the occasion with a fun outfit and her favorite hoop earrings to match. In her later years, she and Richie loved traveling to warm climates like Hawaii, Bermuda, Disney World and their favorite spot, Barbados. She enjoyed taking her grandchildren out for dinner and loved taking them to Disney World. Above all else, Marion’s love for her family, especially her devotion to her husband always came first. She will be lovingly remembered as “Ma” to her sons, and either “Poppie” or “Gam” to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marion was the beloved wife of the late Richard P. McDermod, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Douglas R. McDermod and his wife Gerry of Middleton and Richard B. “Rick” McDermod and his wife Laurie of Wakefield. She was the dear sister of the late Sarah Hennigar, Mary Stahle and William Simpson. She was the cherished grandmother of Jessica Gregoire and her husband Derek, Matthew McDermod and his wife Caroline, Cate Bless and her husband Jesse, Carrie Carr and her husband Patrick and Holly McDermod and her fiancé Jordan McDonald. She was the loving great-grandmother of Max, Troy, Brett, Ayla, James, Tessa, Matthew, Tedy, Rachel and Lindsey.

Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Marion’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St. on Friday, Aug. 28, followed by her funeral service celebrated at 10 a.m. Gifts in Marion’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown MA 02472 or to the Salvation Army, 213 Main St., Malden MA 02148. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. For directions or online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.