Always interested in new places and cultures, had backpacked through Europe
Published April 17, 2019
LYNNFIELD — Marilyn M. (Mottolo) Whittier, 69, a longtime resident of Lynnfield and Dennis, passed away peacefully with her family and friends by her side on Monday, April 8, 2019.
Marilyn was born on October 14, 1949, and was one of seven children of the late Anthony J. and Mabel H. (Fiske) Mottolo. She grew up in Wilmington and Andover, and graduated from Andover High.
An independent woman, Marilyn took to traveling after high school. She visited numerous countries and backpacked through Europe. She was always interested in new places and cultures. Marilyn also had a deep love for Cape Cod. She enjoyed her time spent there, especially her time on the beach, where summers were spent with her two children.
Warm and loving, Marilyn adored her children, and was exceptionally proud of becoming a grandmother. She was active in her children’s lives, not missing a school function or sporting event. She took her children on adventures and those memories that were created will be treasured forever.
Marilyn was an avid reader, and kept up on numerous topics that were of interest to her. She was well read, especially when it came to current events and politics. She was also a very spiritual person with strong beliefs, and a great lover of animals.
Marilyn was a kind-hearted soul who loved her friends and family dearly. She will be deeply missed.
Marilyn was the devoted mother of Jason and Kristen Bianchi, both of Melrose. She was the dear sister of Richard Mottolo and his wife Carolyn of North Reading; Donald Mottolo and his wife Carol of Quincy; Joseph Mottola of Manchester, N.H.; Robert Mottolo of Burbank, California; Janice Mottolo of Andover; and sister-in-law Mary of Haverhill. She was the cherished grandmother of Bennett Bianchi. Marilyn is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Marilyn was predeceased by her brother, Alan Mottolo, and nephew, David Mottolo.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Marilyn’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Friday, April 12 and for her funeral service at the Centre Congregational Church, 5 Summer St., Lynnfield, celebrated on Saturday.
Gifts in Marilyn’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.
To make an online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
