Marilyn T. Morris

Marilyn (Scannell) Morris, formerly of Dedham, Bourne, and Weymouth, Massachusetts lived 95 memorable years. She was a remarkable woman who leaves behind an enduring legacy of strength, resilience, compassion and service in the communities in which she lived. 

Marilyn was born on March 11, 1929, to Hazel (Hart) and Timothy George Scannell. She was the beloved wife and best friend of the late James F. Morris. “Our proudest accomplishment was bringing into the world 9 wonderful children who loved us, respected us and have been a credit to society. The inclusion of their loving and wonderful spouses was a blessing.” Their children; James and his wife Janis (Rose), Janet and her husband Ralph “Rusty” Garber, Robert and his wife Nancy (De Franco), Mary and her husband John Dooley, Marilyn and her husband Carl Meyer, Barbara and her husband James Hall, and Amy Morris Strong, as well as the late Richard Morris who is survived by his wife Paula (Murphy) and their children Patrick and Paige, and the late Paul Morris, who is survived by his wife Deborah (Gans) and their daughter Mary. In 2000 Deborah married Robert Hannon, another great addition to our family. 

Marilyn was the grandmother of 26 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. Family gatherings were always lively, especially when everyone, 100+, attended. As matriarch, Marilyn was at her best when she held court during those gatherings. 

Marilyn was predeceased by her beloved husband, James F. Morris, her twin brothers, Robert and Richard Scannell and Richard’s wife Lillian (DiNapoli) Scannell, her brother Paul Scannell and his wife, Ann (Martin) Scannell, and sisters-in-law Sister Lillian Morris S.N.D. and Virginia (Morris) Coen. Marilyn’s only surviving sister-in-law, Jean (O’Brien) Scannell, was married to Marilyn’s brother Robert. Jean was Marilyn’s dear friend for 70+ years. 

After her husband died in 1971, Marilyn was on her own at age 42 to continue raising their 9 children. The youngest was 7 years old. Marilyn re-cast herself in the self-proclaimed role of Benevolent Dictator and ruled her family with strength, compassion and love. Fact: Her children knew when the words “I’ve decided” were spoken she would not waver. 

Marilyn was not only the beloved matriarch of her family but also a cherished member of the communities she called home. She volunteered countless hours for many organizations. In 1973 she broke through the glass ceiling when she was elected to the office of Selectman in the town of Dedham. She held that position for 10 years, serving twice as Chairman. When she entered the political arena, those who did not know her sometimes underestimated Marilyn’s power based on her gender and small stature. Fact: She was a formidable woman. Known for her strength and no-nonsense attitude, Marilyn was a woman who suffered no fools. She never shied away from conflict or from stating her opinion. She listened to both sides of the issues with an open mind before casting her votes. Her wisdom was earned through years of experience, and her advice was sought and respected.

The Board of Selectmen in the Town of Norfolk appointed Marilyn as Town Administrator where she served for 15 years. Marilyn also served on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts League of Cities and Towns. She was President of the Massachusetts Managers Association, and President of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. She was on the Board of Directors of the Faulkner Hospital.

Marilyn eventually moved to Cape Cod and became active in the Town of Bourne where she lived for many years. She served from 1994 to 2008 on the Town of Bourne Finance Committee and By Law Committee. She enjoyed tutoring elementary school children in reading on a volunteer basis at Otis Memorial School and Peebles Elementary School in Bourne. Marilyn was also a Christian Doctrine teacher at St. John the Evangelist Church in Bourne MA. Her selflessness knew no bounds, and her contributions made a lasting impact on the lives of many.

Marilyn lived a long and impactful life. Her wicked sense of humor, her quick-witted responses, her keen insights and her legendary Irish Whisper will be deeply missed by her family and friends. As we bid farewell to Marilyn, we take solace in the knowledge that her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all those she inspired. 

The Morris family is very grateful to Home Instead in Norwell, especially Denise Campanile, whom Marilyn loved and considered a member of her family. Our thanks also to Lindsay Mulcahy from VNA Hospice in Norwell. Both Denise and Lindsay are the epitome of compassionate care. 

At Marilyn’s express request, there will be no visiting hours. A Celebration Mass of the Resurrection will be offered at St Mary’s Church, 420 High Street Dedham, MA, on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 10:30 AM.

Interment will be alongside her husband at Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hospice Organization of your choice, or the Multiple Sclerosis Society in memory of her dear friends, Marilyn Carroll, Maureen (O’Halloran) Cummings, and Gregory and Lynn Meyer.