Marilyn A. (Sharkey) Murphy

Southwick- Marilyn A. (Sharkey) Murphy, 93, formerly of Uxbridge, passed away on Sun. Jan. 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Her husband of 39 years, Joseph M. Murphy died in 1993.

     She is survived by 5 children, Deborah A. Murphy of Natick, Maryellen Murphy and her wife DawnRenee Cinocco of Vancouver, WA, Margaret “Peggy” Giancola and her husband Ben of Southwick, Joseph M. Murphy of London, England, and  Kathleen A. Murphy of Southwick; 6 grandchildren, Geremie Giancola, Domenic Giancola and his wife Marika, Jessica Hennessey and her husband Adam, Michael Giancola and his fiancée Kaye, Timothy Giancola, and Emily Giancola; 5 great-grandchildren, Benny, Carson, Nina, Lucas, and Emma, as well as many nieces, nephews, and the extended Giancola family. She was predeceased by her brothers John T. Sharkey, and Thomas J. Sharkey.

     Born in Whitinsville, MA on January 7, 1933, she was the daughter of Martin J. and Marion A. (Cove) Sharkey. She was a graduate of Uxbridge High School, class of 1950, and furthered her education at the Worcester School of Business. Marilyn settled in Wilbraham in 1965, where she raised her family, and lived for 20 years. During that time she was a parishioner of St. Cecelia’s Church. She was a dedicated professional whose warmth and energy touched everyone she met. She worked as an Executive Secretary for over 20 years at Aetna Insurance Co. in Springfield. She later continued her career working alongside her daughters at their Insurance Agency, Boston Insurance Specialists, until 2019. Marilyn took great pride in her work and kept up with the times, excelling as a typist, shorthand writer, and remaining highly proficient with computers throughout her career.

     Marilyn embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. An avid sports fan, particularly enjoying the Boston Red Sox and Celtics, she followed golf and tennis, and had a passion for traveling and cruising, exploring destinations such as England and Ireland—even later in life. She and her husband shared a love of ballroom dancing and won numerous contests together. Marilyn was also very musical; she played the piano and loved to sing.

     Fashion was another of Marilyn’s passions. She had a keen sense of style and enjoyed shopping, makeup, and was always particular about her hair. Her positive attitude, warmth and spirit, and natural way with people drew others to her.

     Above all else, Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was deeply involved in her grandchildren’s lives and never missed a sporting event or important moment. Family was her world, and her greatest accomplishment was the love and devotion she gave to those she cherished.

     Her family would like to extend a special thank you to Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield, Laurie Anti from Baystate Hospice, and her primary care physician, Darren O’Neill of Enfield Medical Associates, for all their exceptional care and support shown to Marilyn and her family.

     Her Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 23rd at 11 AM in St. Mary Parish, 77 Mendon St., Uxbridge. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held prior to her Mass on Friday from 9-10:30 AM in Tancrell- Jackman Funeral Home, 35 Snowling Rd., Uxbridge. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn’s memory may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. To leave a condolence message for her family, please visit www.Jackmanfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marilyn A. (Sharkey) Murphy, please visit our floral store.