Marion Louise Barton

Marion (Marnie) Louise (MacDonald) Barton  was born on May 27, 1931 and passed from this world on December 23rd, 2022, surrounded by those who loved her, following a bout of COVID-19. Marnie was 91.

Originally from Concord, Massachusetts, she was a longtime resident of both Melrose, and Salisbury, Massachusetts where she retired to a condominium near the beach she adored.

A loving mother and grandmother, Marnie’s entire life was devoted to the wellbeing of the ones she loved. She frequently held two or more jobs. A great athlete and lover of tennis, she owned a pro shop at the Boston Harbor Tennis Club in the 1970s. She retired from a position with Carter Rice Paper Company after more than twenty years. Marnie also worked evenings at the Colonial Golf and Tennis Club in Wakefield, Massachusetts, where she would sneak her kids in to play racquetball.  

Marnie had an open heart and an open home; she existed to serve others. Marnie affectionately cared for her aging mother (Mary Loyd), taking Nana into her home during her Golden Years. To support her daughter Amy’s career goals, she helped raise her grandchildren Maz and Morgan allowing Amy to succeed in school.

Marnie immediately lit up any room she entered with her vivacious personality and sharp dress; she truly sparkled. She loved her friends and family, and filled her home with warmth and kindness. She will be fondly remembered for her love of summer flowers, spending time with family at her beach house, for filling her Toyota Corolla with kids, dogs, luggage and family friends and driving 90 miles per hour to make the Long Island ferry on time, and for her selfless dedication in allowing her children to follow their many interests and dreams.  

Marnie was preceded in death by her mother Mary Loyd and father Gordon MacDonald.  Brother Gordon, and sisters Dorothy and Ruth also predeceased her.  She is survived by her sister Joan, daughters Amy and Alison, son-in-law David Rudolph, son Michael and his wife April, and also grandchildren Maz and her husband Andy, Morgan and her husband Seva, Jackson and Beckett.  

To her children and grandchildren she leaves her perennial optimism, zest for life, and an incredible work ethic.

Marnie desired to be cremated and will be laid to rest following a family ceremony in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in May of 2023.

In lieu of flowers or cards, those interested in supporting Marnie’s love for natural spaces are encouraged to make a donation to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation online at mass.parks@state.ma.us or by filling out a “Conservation Trust and Urban Parks Trust Fund Contribution Form” available on the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) website.