Shrewsbury – Marion (Abdow) Busada of Shrewsbury, formerly of Worcester, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on January 2, 2023, at Shrewsbury Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Her husband George predeceased her on March 4, 2017, after 64 years of marriage.
Born in Worcester on March 27, 1928, Marion was a daughter of the late Ferris and Sarah (El Hajj) Abdow. She lived in Worcester her entire life and graduated from the former Commerce High School.
In 1959, along with her late husband, George, she founded the former SPEEDY’S Drive-in Restaurant on Shrewsbury Street; Worcester’s fi rst Drive-in Restaurant. Thereafter Marion was a cafeteria manager for the Worcester Public Schools for many years.
Marion will be adoringly remembered for her passion for cooking and entertaining. Her greatest joy in life was gathering her family and friends around a table and ensuring they were well-fed with dozens of hand-rolled grape leaves and delicious trays of kibbee. Every Easter season, she would generously hand out her signature ka’ak; a recipe that she had perfected.
Marion loved to attend a big party, and she especially loved to host one; she took any opportunity to dance and laugh with old friends. She was happiest to spend time with and care for her 7 siblings, especially at the beach in Ocean City, Maryland. She was a beloved aunt to her nieces, nephews and their children. No matter the distance and well into her late years, Marion was always sure to keep in touch.
Marion’s love beyond her family was for her church, St. George Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester. Her church community is thankful for her 50 years dedicated to serving the weekly coffee hours, countless church dinners and successful fundraising events.
Marion leaves her daughter, Pam Haddad and her husband, Michael of Shrewsbury, two granddaughters, Devon Haddad and her husband Bryan Strickland of Milton and Alexandra DeMilia and her husband Christopher of Somerville.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her siblings Alice, Eli, George, Victor Abdow and Rose Yonkers of Maryland, Janet Abdow of Worcester and Lorraine Abdelmaseh of Ohio.
Her family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses, aides, and administrative staff at Southgate for providing her a wonderful home for 6 years – especially her dear friends Jane and Gina. They would also like to thank the medical team at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Worcester and the staff at Notre Dame Rehabilitation Center and Shrewsbury Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for the loving and professional care offered to Marion.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Marion’s family on Friday, January 6, 2023, from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM in St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester. The funeral service will commence at 12:00 PM in the Cathedral with the Very Rev. Fr. Milad Selim, Dean of the Cathedral, officiating. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. Marion’s service will be live-streamed here: stgeorgeworcester.org.
In lieu of flowers, and if you wish to make a donation in Marion’s memory, contributions can be made to St. George Orthodox Cathedral Endowment Fund, 30 Anna Street, Worcester 01604.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Marion’s cousin, Philip G. Haddad, Jr. of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.
MAY HER MEMORY BE ETERNAL
The Miles Funeral Home of Holden assisted with arrangements.
