Marilyn J.  Viola, "Mimi", 71, of Dennis MA died on March 2, 2021 after a hard- fought battle with cancer. She remained positive and optimistic throughout her journey.  She passed peacefully surrounded by her family.

Marilyn was born in Somerville MA and grew up in Medford MA.  She was part of a large family and enjoyed playing, and growing up with all of her cousins.  She shared many happy times with the Dwyer family, especially at Hampton Beach.

She met the love of her life, Ray, at fifteen and it was love at first sight!  They shared a beautiful life together filled with happiness, enjoying family, dining, traveling, and their "Tiki" hut get away in the Florida Keys.  They were devoted to one another and shared 50 years of marriage.

Marilyn worked for the Boston Garden and Boston Bruins organization for 32 years.  She enjoyed her work and made many lasting friendships that she cherished.  Marilyn and Ray had great fun and have happy memories of the many Boston Bruins Alumni Charity games they were involved with.  In her retired years Marilyn volunteered with the Flower Angels of Cape Cod.  She loved to bring smiles to others.  She was selfless and had a unique ability to make sure everyone mattered.

Marilyn’s greatest treasure was her family.  She thoroughly enjoyed being a wife, mom, "Mimi", sister and aunt.  Marilyn was a shining light to; her two daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, Amy Markey and her husband, Steve,  Holly Majkut and her husband, Robert,  her four precious grandchildren, “her chickies”, Lily and Curran Markey and Maisie and Jonas Majkut.  They all hold many "Mimi" memories dear.  She is also survived by her sister, Robin and her husband, Paul Tenaglia and their children.

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents, Harry Burns, Elizabeth White and her step -father, William T. White. 

As Mimi always said and would want all of us to remember… "Don’t be sad that it is over, smile because it happened".

A celebration of life will be held at a later date when we can all gather together to share our memories of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marilyn’s memory to Flower Angels USA at www.flowerangelsusa.org or by mailing to: 261 Whites Path Unit #1 South Yarmouth, MA  02664.

Amy and Holly sorry for your loss Mal was one of the good ones

I am so sorry to hear Marilyn passed away, I grew up with her in Medford, ma. and went to school with her. We shared great times together, sleeping over each others houses and playing baseball with the kids. I was with her when she met Ray and she was crazy over him right a way. She was always a great, caring person and it was a pleasure to have known her so well.

I, too, had the pleasure to meet Mal while working at the Garden. A true Medford girl at heart! She was always glad to see you and ask about you. My most sincere condolences to her immediate and extended family and to all who knew her. "Whoever you hold in the heart of you, is forever and always a part of you." She will be missed.

Dear Ray, Amy and Holly, We are so sad to hear of Mal's passing. We have so many memories of great times together with our families. We send you and all your family our deepest sympathy. This is a very difficult time for you all and we are thinking of you.

I met Marilyn at Flower Angels. She welcomed me and we became good friends. We talked about family. She always asked how they were doing. She was always willing to do anything asked of her. I will miss her smile and laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.

What a pleasure to have known and volunteered with such a lovely person. Always a smile and so willing to help out always bringing joy to so many. Our hearts are heavy with sadness but heaven rejoices as a Angel came home. Love and peace to all the family❤️

Ray so sorry for your loss Mal was a great person and one I knew always had a great disposition with life. I always stopped by to say hi and talk about life and the Bruins. You two had a great relationship and I know you will miss her but remember the life she led We at the Garden will miss her also. Grizzy

Dearest Ray,Amy,Holly,Robin,Chicks & Family, My heart is broken with the loss of "Gal Pal Mal" so your hearts must be shattered. She told me in an email that "Ray had been her rock, attentive caretaker and loving companion throughout this journey. And her family had been exceptionally caring and supportive." Thank all of you for taking such good care of our "caretaker". Mal, thank you for touching my heart and funny bone so many times throughout our 54 year friendship. You'll be so missed by all who knew and loved you. Hope you've found your eternal "happy place" and will save a place for all of us. With deepest sympathy and love to all.

Ray so sorry for your loss. Mal was such a big part of my life at the old Garden I missed going down to her office and discuss the Bruins and other things happening in the world. I will not remember Mal in death but how she lived. Will miss her always John Grzelcyk.

This is such sad news, Mal was a keeper as they say, her smile and especially her laugh will be missed every day. My best to Ray and her family!

Mal , made everyone around her better . I was lucky to have been able to share time with her.

I had the pleasure of working with Mal at the TD Garden. She was truly a wonderful person. Her smile and laughter were contagious and I so enjoyed getting to know her. My condolences to her family.

Mal was a great person and a awesome person to work for! She will sorely be missed! Prayers and thoughts to Ray and the rest of the family through this tough time

Ray, Robin and family: I am so sorry for your loss. She was truly an angel. I still cannot believe that my dear sweet cousin is gone. Love to all Pat and Mike

Oh sweet Marilyn~loved our friendship through Flower Angels~ Your bright smile~ fun laugh and caring ways will always be remembered and cherished ~ you are now a peaceful Angel~ love you

Oh sweet Marilyn~loved our friendship through Flower Angels~ Your bright smile~ fun laugh and caring ways will always be remembered and cherished ~ you are now a peaceful Angel~ love you

My deepest condolences, I keep a good memory of Mal, and my prayers are with you.

Mal was the calm cool water surrounding the heat of the battle. She exuded tranquility and cared for all those around her. Understated but generous with her compassion and love for life

What a deeply saddened time it is for family but also for anyone that knew Marilyn. She was a beauty inside and out. She always wore a smile, had a kind word for everyone. Her optimism and inner strength were an inspiration to all. I smile now, with tears as I see her smiling face. Her texts to me right near the end were upbeat and happy. She was a woman of inner faith. Marilyn has surely positively touched all that she knew. We are all better people from knowing Marilyn. Dance up a storm now Marilyn, with your Mom (Betty White), top hats and all as you both relish and celebrate your completion of this Life’s journey. Job well done! Much Love to Marilyn and to your entire family, John and Mary Majkut (Holly’s parents-in -law)

What a pleasure to have known and volunteered with such a lovely person. Always a smile and so willing to help out always bringing joy to so many. Our hearts are heavy with sadness but heaven rejoices as a Angel came home. Love and peace to all the family❤️

I'd like to express my heartfelt sympathy to the Viola family for your loss of Marilyn. I knew Marilyn as a volunteer at Flower Angels, and she became a cherished friend to me over those years that I was privileged to know her. She was an "earth angel" giving of her kindness, love, and help to all who needed it. She brought happiness to all with her smile and uplifting attitude. I will miss her so much, our laughs together and stories about family. She loved her family so much...God bless all of you during this very difficult time.