Petersham – Marianne Louise (Marshall) McVoy, of Petersham, a former longtime Shrewsbury resident, passed peacefully to the arms of our loving Lord early Sunday morning, Sept. 23, 2012 at the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester after spending most of her last day on earth with her loving husband, Rick. She put up a heroic fight against an aggressive, non-standard gynecological cancer. She was 62.
Born Aug. 31, 1950 in Lafayette, Indiana, the only child of John T. Jr. and Frances E. (Sutherberry) Marshall, she grew up in many places (NJ, CA, HI, and CT) as a “Navy brat.” She graduated first from Glastonbury (CT) High School and then from the University of Vermont in 1972 with a degree in Medical Technology. It was there that she met her husband, Richard S. McVoy. They married June 2, 1973 and moved to Grand Forks, ND, while Rick finished his graduate degrees. There she worked as a med tech in the local hospital. Their first son, Christopher A. McVoy, was born there.
When they came back east to be closer to family they settled in Shrewsbury and she worked at St. Vincent Hospital as a med tech. Their second son, Jeffrey M. McVoy, was born in Worcester. In order to raise the boys, Marianne took a job as Financial Secretary at the First Congregational Church in Shrewsbury where she has worked for more than 25 years. More recently, she has been the Business Manager at the church.
Marianne led a very active life around her many interests. While the boys grew up, she was active in supporting many of their activities, such as scouts and swim teams. She was also active with vocal and hand bell choirs and the Vacation Bible School at the church; bridge groups; and a recipe group. Later, her love of music and talent led her to an auditioned hand bell choir, Merrimack Valley Ringers, and a series of Sweet Adelines choruses, the latest being the international champion Millenium Magic Chorus of CT.
Several years ago, she and Rick moved into “her dream house in the country,” a log home of her design in Petersham. There, in more quiet times, she enjoyed crocheting, sewing, reading, and entertaining friends and family.
Marianne had so many circles of friends and family who have been providing love and encouragement through this ordeal. Included among them are the many wonderful medical staffs at: St. Vincent Hospital (especially the nurses and PCAs of 35 South), UMASS Memorial Hospital (Memorial Campus, especially the nurses and PCAs of 5 South), Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital and the Jewish Healthcare Center. Rick and the family wish to thank them all for their thoughts, prayers, and acts of support.
She is survived her husband, Richard S. McVoy of Petersham; her sons, Christopher A. McVoy of Rocky Point, NY, and Jeffrey M. McVoy and his wife, Chelsea, of Gardner; ?and her father, John T. Marshall, Jr., of Leominster. Her mother, Frances E. (Sutherberry) Marshall, predeceased her.
Family and friends will honor and remember Marianne's life by gathering for calling hours in Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, on Friday, Sept. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m., and again Sunday, Sept. 30, in the First Congregational Church, 19 Church Rd., Shrewsbury, where her funeral service will be celebrated at 3 p.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, honor Marianne's memory with a contribution to The First Congregational Church, 19 Church Rd., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
