Marilyn A. Canavan

Waltham – Mrs. Marilyn A. Canavan, of Waltham, died on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 after a brief illness. She was 97 years old.

Born and raised in Brockton, Marilyn was a graduate of Saint Patrick's High School in Brockton. Following her marriage to Joseph T. Canavan of Boston, a World War II Army veteran, the pair made Brockton their home where they raised their two children before moving to Waltham twenty-five years ago. They enjoyed many happy years together until Joe's death in 2011. Marilyn's happiest times were those spent surrounded by her loving family, especially at holiday dinners and special occasions.

Marilyn was a devoted wife and mother and active member of Saint Edward's Parish in Brockton, where she volunteered on many fund-raising activities benefiting the parish and elementary school. After her children were grown, she also volunteered at Catholic Charities in Brockton where she worked in the pre-school program.

She leaves her children, Marilyn K. (Lynne) Leo and her husband, Cosmo of Belmont, MA and Joseph W. Canavan and his wife, Ann of Newton, MA; her grandchildren, Maura Leo Showery and her husband, James Showery of Houston, TX, Thomas Leo and his fiancée, Marlee Greer of Quincy, MA, and Lily and Sam Canavan; her great-granddaughter, Madelyn Showery; and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Family and friends will honor and remember Marilyn's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, May 17th, from 4 to 7 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham at 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Burial will follow in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at 1:15 p.m.

Those wishing to view Marilyn's Funeral Mass may also do so by visiting https://my.gather.app/remember/marilyn-a-canavan on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities, 169 Court Street, Brockton, Massachusetts 02302 or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org.

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A note from the funeral home pursuant to Governor Baker's recent order:

During times of uncertainty and crisis one might wonder what to do at the loss of a loved one or how to show support to a friend given the limitations that the pandemic continues to present.

Telephone your friend to offer words of love and support, give them a virtual hug, drop something delicious by the house, leave a condolence on the funeral home website, make a donation to their favored charity, send a card or flowers or have a Mass said, remain in touch, and above all else . . . say prayers for the deceased and their family and the world during this difficult and unprecedented time.

These simple gifts of sympathy and charity are more valuable than you will ever know.

When public wakes are held capacity limits mean that your visit should be brief to allow other guests time to say hello to the family. Only members of the immediate family remain present throughout.

It goes without saying that people who have lost someone are especially sensitive and understanding to the concerns that some of their own family members and friends may have about visiting any public places right now. If this does not feel like the right time for you to venture out please don't.

Space limitations also mean that funeral services inside the funeral home and in some places of worship may also be private.

Most services, at the family's request, will also be livestreamed and recorded for future viewing. The link to access the channel is found at the bottom of the obituary notice online.

During any events, public or private, common sense precautions prevail. That includes masks covering your nose and mouth, staying with your household group throughout the services and keeping a sensible distance.

Thank you . . . again . . . for your patience and understanding.