Marilyn P. (Scannell) Heffernan

Marilyn Heffernan passed away peacefully at Providence Place Retirement Community in Holyoke. She was born to Gerald and Florence (nee Spaniol) Scannell in Springfield, MA on May 31, 1930. She grew up in West Springfield and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1948. She later graduated from Westfield State College and obtained a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut. She worked as a teacher for many years at Commerce High School in Springfield. Upon retirement, she was a volunteer teacher for the UNESCO English Programme in Gdansk, Poland. She was a keen swimmer and won many medals in the Senior Olympics, at the national-level. She travelled extensively in Europe and North America. Marilyn spent the last two months of her life in the United Kingdom attending classes and being a beloved playmate to her grandson. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Claire Heffernan of Reading, England and her grandson Fionn Heffernan. She was predeceased by her husband Maurice and her sisters and brothers: Claire Crean, William Scannell, Jeremiah Scannell, and Florence Pollard.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 5th at 10AM in Blessed Sacrament Church, Northampton St. Holyoke, followed by burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery, 1601 State St. Springfield. There are no calling hours and arrangements are under the direction of Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA 01085. In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Marilyn, please consider supporting the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA  22215. www.firtionadams.com

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