Marilyn R. Hartigan, 90, passed away peacefully at Hope Hospice in Providence, RI on October 6, 2024. She is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Thomas R. Hartigan, daughter Noreen Richardson (spouse Ben Richardson) of Mendon, MA, and her son, Tim Hartigan of Townsend, MA. She leaves behind six grandchildren (Bridget, Timothy, Michael, NaTalia, Jasmine, and Trevor) and 5 great-grandchildren (Ariana, Olivia, Lily, Nico, and Chase), two Labrador Retriever grand dogs, and a cat. She also leaves behind a brother (Larry) in Germany and many sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces, all of whom she loved dearly. Marilyn is pre-deceased by her son Glen Hartigan, her granddaughter Katlyn Hartigan, and seven brothers: Bill, Jim, Jack, Dan, Bob, Joe, and Ray Kelly.
Marilyn was born in Erie, PA to the late John and Caroline (O’Neil) Kelly. Later raised in Leominster, she was a graduate of St. Bernard's High School, Class of 1952, and continued her master’s degree studies at Boston College and Fairfield University. Marilyn spent her career as a Catholic school teacher. She taught at St. Bernard’s High School, Fitchburg, and in the late 60s, went on to become principal of Presentation High School in Stamford, CT. When her children were older, she returned to the classroom and taught grades 7 and 8 at St. Joseph School, Fitchburg, MA. A devout Catholic, she was a daily communicant of the chapel at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Pawtucket, RI.
Marilyn was an inferior cook but an excellent gardener; she enjoyed reading nonfiction best because it helped her solve everyday problems, and she was generous with bits of practical learning that might help you solve problems, too – whether that be the best way to fertilize your soil or improve your fiber intake. She was patient and kind; she rescued cats, was generous with dog treats, and taught her students how to write in cursive and diagram sentences. “Diagraming teaches you how to think logically” she insisted. She loved plants, quilts, herbal tea, and any kind of dessert. She prioritized family and gave everyone benefit of the doubt. The world was better for her presence in it, and her gracious, generous spirit will be greatly missed.
A funeral mass will be held to honor Marilyn’s life at St. George Catholic Church, Worcester, MA, at 10 am on October 26, 2024. Burial will later be held privately at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Little Sisters of the Poor in Pawtucket, RI, an organization close to Marilyn’s heart.