Marilyn Joan McCann of Scarsdale, N.Y., died July 9 after a long illness. A longtime resident of Scarsdale, Marilyn, 83, was the beloved wife of the late James McCann and the devoted mother of her seven children and 25 grandchildren.
Marilyn was born on Aug. 20, 1931 in Huntington, Long Island. As a young girl growing up she had a beautiful singing voice, a talent that entertained many throughout her life.
She was a graduate of St. Luke’s Hospital Nursing School in N.Y.C. During the early 1950s, she worked there as a surgical nurse and as a visiting nurse.
Marilyn married her husband on June 18, 1955 at Incarnation Church in Queens Village, N.Y. The couple raised their family in Eastchester and later in Scarsdale.
Marilyn’s vocation as a wife, mother and grandmother was her greatest legacy.
After Jim’s sudden death in 1993, Marilyn met the challenge of life without her beloved partner with great strength. She entered a new chapter of her life as “Goggy,” the cherished grandmother of her many grandchildren. She spent her time enjoying and nurturing them.
Marilyn was an active in the Scarsdale Woman’s Club and was a member of the Choral Singers. Every year at the Christmas concert Marilyn’s family would gather to hear her sing.
During the last 12 years, Marilyn battled a debilitating neurological disease with tremendous courage and determination. After becoming paralyzed at the illness’ onset, Marilyn spent six months in hospitals where she fought back, regaining her ability to walk and live independently.
Her fearlessness, fighting spirit and positive outlook in the face of this relentless disease was heroic. Marilyn continued with her active life traveling and attending concerts with her sister, Rosemary, cheering her grandchildren’s sporting events and reading The New York Times every morning.
The passing of the matriarch of the McCann family is deeply grieved by every member.
Marilyn was predeceased by her mother and stepfather, Mary and Walter King. She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Vericker, Susan Condit, Laura McCaffrey and Debby Franco, her sons, Jim, Bob and John, and their spouses, Joe Vericker, Brad Condit, Mark McCaffrey, Vincent Franco, Tara Griffin, Suzanne McCann and Erika McCann. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Lizzy (Michael), JP, Molly, Grace, Jimmy, Gus, Reggie, William, Luke, David, Dylan, Jack, Ned, Sean, Matthew, Brian, Jane, William, Tess, Maeve, Vincent, Sophia, Olivia, Nina and Tessa.
Family will receive friends on Monday July 13, from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Bennett Funeral Home, 824 Scarsdale Ave. Scarsdale NY 10583. Mass of Christian Burial at Tuesday July 14, 2015 10 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Scarsdale NY 10583.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marilyn’s memory to the Scarsdale Woman’s Club, 37 Drake Road, Scarsdale, N.Y. 10583.
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