Marilyn A. Sturgis-Mangano

Marilyn A. (Lowder) Sturgis-Mangano, 89, passed away in the presence of her loving family on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

Marilyn was born and raised in North Worcester, the daughter of Eveleth Lowder and Hazel Lowder (Palmer), who immigrated to the U.S. from Aylesford, Nova Scotia. As a young mother Marilyn moved to Shrewsbury seeking a supportive community where she could raise her children; she called Shrewsbury home for nearly 70 years.

Marilyn’s life was singularly dedicated to her family and empowering them to achieve their hopes and dreams. This was most evident in how she shaped the lives of her two sons—Stephen Sturgis of Naples, Florida and Michael P. Sturgis of Southold, New York—and her two grandsons—Michael F. Sturgis of Buffalo, New York and Sam Sturgis of Washington, D.C. Marilyn came from humble beginnings in Worcester, was not overly educated, did not possess immense technical skills, and never achieved robust professional success. Yet, despite these limitations, she was the central ballast for her sons and grandsons as they navigated the rocky seas of life. And she thrived as that ballast. She possessed an immense drive to see the young men under her care succeed, and she relished every opportunity to be a selfless matriarch who infused enthusiasm and love into the lives of her boys.

Her indefatigable dedication to motherhood was most clear in 2007. At the age of seventy-two, Marilyn enthusiastically welcomed her youngest grandson into her home full-time so he could attend Saint John’s High School and receive a world class education. At a time when most of her peers were embracing a quiet retirement, Marilyn spent four years ushering her grandson through high school. She spent weekends teaching him how to drive and winter nights traveling across Worcester County to attend high school basketball games. In 2009, Saint John’s publicly recognized Marilyn’s unique love and dedication during the school’s inaugural hosting of “Grandparents Day” and she was deeply moved. She was acutely proud of having sent two sons and a grandson through Saint John’s and she cherished her affiliation with the school.

Marilyn’s optimism in people and joy of life powered her to great experiences and opportunities, especially as the lives of her children evolved. Although her identity was rooted in her middle-class upbringing in Worcester, she created powerful memories and moments with loved ones across both coasts. She loved the serenity of Bay Area, California and spent ample time there with her eldest son who lived on the West Coast for many years. Marilyn also lived for several years with her youngest son on Nantucket Island, helping to raise her two young grandchildren.

Marilyn became a widow in 1987 after her husband, Francis Sturgis, died in a car accident. Beautifully, she fell in love again a decade later, and in 2001 married Salvator “Sal” Mangano. Their marriage injected new energy and love into their lives as they hit their mid-60s, and sparked an exciting period of travel and partnership that kept them young. Marilyn’s marriage to Sal, until his death in 2014, provided her with the daughters she never had but always craved. Tina Arsenault of Leicester and Deborah Leone of Millbury were incredibly devoted to Marilyn, and Marilyn loved them like her own.

Marilyn’s story is a reminder of the infinite dignity that comes from the love we give to family. How enthusiasm, optimism, and being present for our loved ones is what truly sparks generational change.

She was an incredible woman, and her family is so proud of the beautiful life she created. 

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Tuesday, July 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St, Worcester. Marilyn's funeral will be departing in procession from the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. to St. Mary's Church, 640 Main St, Shrewsbury, where we will celebrate Marilyn’s funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.