Marilyn J. (Colwell) Tortolano, 50, died Thursday afternoon, October 15, 2009 after bravely battling cancer for four years. She was the loving wife of William J. Tortolano, with whom she shared twenty-five years of marriage.
Born in Stoneham on June 10, 1958, she was the daughter of Edward and Marion (Cline) Colwell. She was raised and educated in Melrose and was a graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1976. She had been a resident of Middleton for nearly twenty-five years.
A dedicated housewife, she was a loving wife and mother. Mrs. Tortolano loved music and was a devoted Christian. Sharing time with her beloved family was what she cherished most.
In addition to her husband and parents, she leaves two children, Alison and Michael Tortolano, both of Middleton, two sisters, Jeanne McCarthy and her husband Mark of Oregon and Joanne Colwell andher wife Jenny Montague of Nahant, two brothers, Stephen Colwell of Toronto, Ont., and Joseph Colwell of Colorado, a sister-in-law, Lisa Butts and her husband Henry of Danvers, a brother-in-law, Mark Tortolano and his wife Mary of Reading, two dear cousins, Donna Brammer of Melrose and Terry Burke of Methuen, and several nieces and nephews.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009 at 10AM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery, Middleton. Relatives and friends are invited. As requested, there are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.