Marilyn Marie (Keenan) Mellen, 89, a resident of Dedham, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, surrounded by her family. She is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, James Edward Mellen in 2022. Devoted mother to her six children: James T. Mellen and his wife Linda of Dedham; Robert F. Mellen and his wife Jennifer of Uxbridge; John E. Mellen and his wife Marilyn of Norwood; Jean M. Sauer and her husband Todd of Boylston; Richard F. Mellen and his wife Michelle of Norwood; and Steven D. Mellen of Dedham. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Andrea Medeiros (Darren), Stephanie Ackley (Jonathan), Kristen Sauer, Christopher, Brian (Megan), Ryan, Sean, Sarah, Katherine, Samantha, Elizabeth, Amy, Kate, Robert, and Nicholas Mellen and, her great-grandchildren: Hunter, Addison, Bridget, Claire, Maeve, and Cora.
Marilyn was born on January 28, 1935, in Boston to the late Thomas W. and Helen V. (Burke) Keenan and raised in West Roxbury. She was the ninth of ten siblings, all of whom predeceased her: Thomas, Walter, Marie, Gerald, Helen, Paul, Joseph, Donald, and Robert Keenan. She spent her youth immersed in activities at St. Theresa’s Church and was a member of their marching band as a majorette. She proudly marched in the Macy’s Day Parade in New York City with the church group. She graduated from Roslindale High School in 1952 as a scholar-athlete.
Marilyn was kind and compassionate to all. She was quiet, yet quick-witted, with a great sense of humor. She had a vast variety of interests including baking, sewing, crafts, shopping, bingo, trips to the casino, the Boston Red Sox, and most of all, spending time with her family. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Dedham and a past member of their Ladies’ Sodality.
Visiting Hours in the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury, on Tuesday, January 7th from 8:30am to 9:30am. Followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Theresa of Avila Church at 10:00am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.