Marion A. Thibodeau

Marion A. (Paroyian) Thibodeau, 87, of Worcester, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving and devoted husband, and the family they created together, on Thursday, May 12, 2016, at Knollwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Marion was a wonderful person, who’s spirit was full of love; she was born in Worcester, the daughter of Martin and Ovsanna (Andonian) Paroyian from Chimishgezek, Armenia. The faith and determination of her parents, to give their children a better life, influenced Marion in the most loving and gracious way.  She lived her entire life surrounded by those she loved, including her husband of sixty one years, Archille D. Thibodeau; a son, Richard D. Thibodeau and his wife Deborah of Watertown; three daughters, Sandra L. Melanson and her husband Jeffrey of Shrewsbury; Debra S. Trapasso and her husband Dominic of Rutland, and Gayle J. Connole and her husband Dennis of Worcester; eight caring and devoted grandchildren, Erika, Rachael, Jennifer, Angelina, Alexis, Dennis Anthony III, Sydney, and Dominic; three sisters, Helen Paroyian and Grace DeMauro, both of Worcester, and Virginia Conway of Pasadena, CA; many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by a brother, Paul Paroyian, Sr. She and her husband, Archille “Dave”, as she called him, were gifted with a long and wonderful marriage and they were as one, from when they met at Fort Devens, while he was in the military, up to the recent times where he would visit with her every single day for hours on end at Knollwood.  The love they shared reflected in their children and grandchildren, for she learned long ago that family was the foundation of a great life. She was a life-long member of All Saints Church in Worcester, even attending Sunday school, being confirmed and the church women’s guild, she was a faithful participant in the church Nenana Group, working bake sales, contributing to cook books, and helping in any way she could.  She worked at Filene’s Basement and All Saints Church.Marion loved to travel with her husband as an “Army Wife”, stationed throughout this great country.  That love of travel extended to their motor coach trips to Florida and the forty-five years they enjoyed as seasonal residents at Powder Horn Campgrounds in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.  Marion enjoyed many friends both at home and in Maine and anywhere she set roots, even if only passing through.  She will be remembered as being the life of the party and having lived her life to the fullest.  She loved playing BINGO wherever she could. Marion’s family would like to thank the administration, nurses, aides, and doctors at Knollwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, for their caring kindness and loving compassion.  The family knew that Marion was treated like royalty and she felt comfortable and at home, and it was because of special “angels” like Jane, April, Emily, John, Debbie, Marilyn, Eileen, Elaine, Pauline, and many others…thank you! Calling Hours for Marion will be held on Monday, May 16, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  Her Funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 17, departing the funeral home at 9:40 a.m. in procession to a 10 a.m. Funeral Liturgy at All Saints Church, 10 Irving Street, Worcester, MA.  Interment services will be held privately at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.     In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.   “You will never regret the things you do… only the things you don’t.”