Marion G. Abbey

Marion G. (Coburn) Abbey, age 87, passed away peacefully in her Walpole, Massachusetts home on Saturday, September 30, 2017. Born on December 4, 1929 in Barre, Vermont, she was the oldest child of Laurence and Ida (Ratell) Coburn. She was raised in Barre and graduated from Barre High School with the Class of 1947. After graduation, Marion took a position with American Telephone & Telegraph as an Operator.

Marion married the love of her life, Chester A. Abbey, on June 7, 1952 in Barre, Vermont. The couple made their home together in Montpelier, Vermont, where they welcomed their two children, Linda and Darryl and Marion transitioned into the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her young family. The young family moved to Manchester, New Hampshire in 1963, then to Southington, Connecticut in 1966, before settling in Walpole, Massachusetts in 1967. While living in Walpole, Marion became active in the South Walpole Methodist Church and the Walpole Women's Club. As her children grew up, Marion took positions with Curtain's Pharmacy in Walpole and Pneumatic Specialty, Inc in Norwood during the 1970s

In 1986, she and Chester moved to South Hampton, Bermuda, and Marion became active in the local church and volunteered countless hours at the King Edward VII Hospital. Their love for singing led Marion and her husband to join the Bermuda Philharmonic Choral Society. After returning to the United States in 1990, Marion and Chester initially made their home in Keene, New Hampshire, where Marion became active in the local church and sang with the Keene Chorale. She also enjoyed spending time with the Raggedy Ann's sewing group while living in Keene. Four short years later, Marion and Chester settled in Litchfield, New Hampshire, where Marion became an active member of the United Church in Manchester, singing in the church choir and regularly volunteering at various events. Marion and Chester also enjoyed singing with the Souhegan Valley Chorus. After her husband passed in 2004, Marion returned to Walpole, Massachusetts, making her home for the past 13 years at New Pond Village. She became a member of the United Church in Walpole, enjoyed singing with the New Pond Village Singers, and volunteered in the Library at New Pond Village.

In her spare time, Marion enjoyed embroidery work, sewing, reading, and playing billiards. She and Chester loved traveling together and visited Canada, England, Scotland, Greece, India, and various places across the United States. However most of all, Marion loved spending time with her family, always enjoying family gatherings and the opportunity to visit with her grandchildren.

Beloved wife of the late Chester A. Abbey.
Loving mother of Linda A. Saripalli and Cedric of Norwood and Darryl A. Abbey and Gail of Holliston.
Cherished grandmother of Alexander and Rinata Abbey of Bakersfield, California and Margaret and Alan Joyce of Whitinsville and great grandmother of Ilya Abbey.
Sister of Lawrence Coburn of League City, Texas, Charles Coburn of Barre, Vermont, the late Patricia Price, and the late George Coburn.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Marion's Life Celebration on Thursday, October 12, 2017 from 4-6 PM with a brief service at 6:00 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Interment will take place privately in the New Hampshire National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.