Marylou (McNeil) McKenzie

Marylou (McNeil) McKenzie, of Millbury, formerly of West Boylston, passed away peacefully on her 72nd birthday, Sunday, December 8, 2024, surrounded by the family she loved. She is now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband of 51 years, George McKenzie, who passed away in February of last year.

 Born on December 8, 1952, to the late John Zinkevich and Irene (Koslowsky) McNeil, Marylou was raised in Worcester. She met George in 1968, and the two began a lifetime of love, marrying in December 1971. Together, they built a life centered on family, raising their children in Worcester. Following George’s passing in 2023, Marylou moved to Northbridge and later Millbury.

Marylou’s strength and determination shown in her final months, as she courageously battled stage 4 cancer for six months, facing every challenge with grace and resilience.

She is survived by her two daughters, Lisa H. (McKenzie) Andrews and Shelly L. McKenzie; her son, Mark G. McKenzie and his wife Khmery McKenzie; three grandchildren, Devin M. Andrews, Destinee T. Andrews, and Brittany C. Andrews; one great-grandchild, Killian J. Molina; nine siblings; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Marylou spent the majority of her career working in quality control at the Allegro Corporation, a role she took great pride in, before later working at Nipro Corporation. In her final professional years, she found deep personal fulfillment as a Personal Care Assistant with Specialty Home Care Services, a position she often said was the most rewarding of her life.

 A devoted member of St. George Church, Marylou’s life was filled with simple joys and cherished routines. She looked forward to poker every Friday, a tradition she loved dearly, often sharing laughter and camaraderie with George, friends, and family. She also enjoyed puzzles, games on her phone, and spending time with loved ones. In retirement, her focus was unwaveringly on her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her world.

 Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Sunday, December 15, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Her funeral will be held Monday, December 16, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a procession to St. George Church, 40 Brattle St., where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Framingham, MA, or online at www.cancer.org