Marilyn Bernice Cherry

Marilyn Bernice Cherry of Canton, MA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 91 years of age. Daughter of the late Beatrice Shair Blonder and the late Bernard Shair. Loving wife of the late Manuel Cherry of 56 years. Beloved mother of Donna Zompa and her husband Robert of Marlborough, Lauren McHugh and husband Brian of Norwood, and Kenneth Cherry and his wife Karen of Franklin. Cherished grandmother of Kimberly Reggiannini and her husband Peter, Michelle Shappy and husband Curtis, Jamie Rezendes and husband Alex, Michael Cherry, and Jacqueline Cherry. Beloved great-grandmother of Lincoln and Logan Reggiannini. Sister of Mark Shair and Irwin Shair.

Marilyn was born in Boston on March 15, 1933. She grew up in Roxbury alongside her mother, father, and two brothers. The eldest of her siblings, she often took on a motherly role and cared for her two younger brothers. After graduating high school, she worked as a secretary at the Charlestown Navy Yard. At 19 she married Manuel and had her first child at 21. Later in life, she enjoyed working in retail and found an affinity for hallmark cards.

Family brought Marilyn the greatest joy in life. Marilyn’s relationships with her family were defined by unconditional love. She was the matriarch of the family for many years. Her love for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was endless and ever-expanding. Her number one priority was making sure that her loved ones were well. Because of this, she was the family confidante - the go-to person to confide in and a true best friend. She was incredibly generous, from throwing beautiful bridal showers for her granddaughters to purchasing wedding gowns and furnishing nurseries. She went above and beyond making sure her family was happy and comfortable.

She and her husband gave so much of their time to both her beloved children and grandchildren. She was devoted to supporting all her children’s activities including horseback riding, skiing, and little league. She also enjoyed traveling with her family to Provincetown and Nantucket. Incredibly close with her grandchildren, she spent much time babysitting her grandkids and visiting them every weekend. Her unique kind and gentle nature served as inspiration to her own children in their roles as parents and grandparents.

Marilyn was a woman of impeccable style. Interior design and crafting were a true passion and great talent of hers. Many remarked that her home and then her assisted living apartment could have been in magazines with how beautiful she designed and maintained them. Throughout every phase of her life, her personal style and fashion sense was ahead of her time. She was beautiful inside and out.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 10 AM at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton followed by interment at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn’s name may be made to Forever Home Rescue New England at www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=U4C9HAM64JMRS, in honor of her grand dogs.