GLOUCESTER: Marilyn E. (Knowles) Gallant, 68, of Poplar Park, died unexpectedly at her residence on Friday, June 8, 2012. She was the wife of the late Joseph E. Gallant, who died in September of 1997.
Born in Gloucester on June 23, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Parker Burnham and Evelyn (Firth) Knowles. She was a lifelong resident of Gloucester and graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1961.
Marilyn had worked as a clinical associate/medical secretary for Addison Gilbert Hospital for 24 years. She had also been employed as a home health aide, head start teacher, and personal care attendant. Marilyn was active in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America as a leader.
A longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Gloucester, she was active on numerous boards, served as a Sunday school teacher, and enjoyed being a member of the choir for many years. She loved country music, dancing and animals, especially her cat, Mooch.
She is survived by her two children, Robin Frazier of Gloucester, and Guy Willmonton and his wife, Cheryl, of Rowley; other children, Wendy Johnson of Sibilo Texas, James Willmonton and wife Dotty of St. Petersburg Florida and Sandra Whynock Breines and husband Andy of Groveland. She is also survived by her sister, Karen Cabral; two brothers, Rosco P. Knowles and Donald Knowles and wife, Sylvia; eleven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by brother Robert “Stubby” Knowles, brother-in-law, Albert Cabral, sister-in-law, Sharon Knowles; nephew, John Knowles and a very special friend, Gloria French.
Her funeral service will be held on Saturday June 16th in the First Baptist Church of Gloucester located at 38 Gloucester Ave at 10 a.m. with a Collation downstairs in Fellowship hall following the service. Visiting hours will be held on Friday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the family c/o Robin Frazier, 7 Arthur St., #6, Gloucester, MA 01930. Prayers of committal will be held privately in the Beechbrook Cemetery.