Published December 14, 2018
NORTON — Marilyn J. (Hamilton) Stiles, 90, of Norton, formerly of Harwich and Melrose, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Wingate of Norton.
Born on September 6, 1928 in Stoneham, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Charles A. and Mary (Bucci) Hamilton. She was raised on Slayton Road in Melrose and enjoyed playing softball at Melrose High School. Known as “Mal” in high school, she was introduced to Robert M. Stiles and quickly became high school sweethearts. She and Bob were married on June 4, 1951 at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield. They moved to Leicester for several years where they started a family of three children, before moving back to their roots in Melrose in 1973. For over 20 years, Marilyn enjoyed her work as an executive assistant at Amp Keyboard Technology in Burlington. Most of all, Marilyn was a dedicated wife, loving mother, and doting grandmother and great-grandmother.
In retirement, Marilyn and Bob moved to Harwich on Cape Cod where they built a summer home. For Marilyn, she was most happy to host family and friends for parties, events, and holidays. She took great pride in hosting the family for Christmas in Harwich, and celebrating summer parties with lobsters for all. She was routinely the last to sit down at dinner, and the last to get up. She also enjoyed their Bridge club with friends on the Cape. The friends from Bridge were known to have “saved the oyster cracker” by writing to explain the importance of the cracker to all of New England.
Marilyn also enjoyed walking the beach, carefully tending to the large much-loved family cactus, or watching pool and shuffleboard tournaments in the family game room. She also enjoyed gardening and working on the flowers around the yard with Bob. For the Stiles, the home on the Cape provided many happy memories, and healthy years enjoyed together with friends and family.
When living in Melrose from 1973 until 1990, she was a dedicated parishioner of St. Mary’s Church. Marilyn will be remembered as an engaging, social woman who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She served as the matriarch for generations of family and gracious host for years of family events and parties. She will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered.
Marilyn was the beloved wife of Robert Stiles with whom she shared 67 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Barry J. Stiles and his wife Amanda Paige of Houston, Texas, Deborah J. Roussel and her husband Paul of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Jonathan C. Stiles and his wife Karen of Mansfield. Cherished grandmother of Jessica Skrine, Robby Roussel, Hudson Stiles, Lennon Stiles, Ryan Stiles, and Alison Stiles. Loving great-grandmother of Melanie, Jordan, and Lauren.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Marilyn’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, Dec. 14 from 9-10 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St., Melrose for her funeral Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. For directions or online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
