MARILYN (GALVIN) SAUNDERS

MARILYN (GALVIN) SAUNDERS – of Woburn, died peacefully May 31^st at the age of eighty-four. Beloved wife of the late Richard J. Saunders. Devoted mother of Richard G. Saunders and his wife Gretchen of Malden, David P. Saunders and his wife Laura of Somerville, and Kathleen T. Saunders of Woburn. Proud grandmother of Lissa, William, Kieran, Finnbar, and the late Kevin and Charles. Dear sister of the late Gerald, John, William, James and Kevin Galvin, and the late Sr. Marion Patrice Galvin SND. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, good friends and family in Ireland. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Barbara Church, 138 Cambridge Rd., Woburn, on FRIDAY, June 5^th, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours on THURSDAY, June 4^th, from 4–7 p.m. at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home 263 Main St., Woburn. Remembrances may be made in her memory to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Retirement Fund, 30 Jeffrey’s Neck Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938.

MARILYN (GALVIN) SAUNDERS – of Woburn, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Marilyn was the cherished daughter of the late Patrick D. Galvin of Inchigeelagh County Cork Ireland, and Lillian (Murray) Galvin of Somerville MA. She and her six siblings were nurtured in a home where love, jokes and storytelling knit a bond that nothing could break.

Marilyn was the beloved wife of the late Richard J. Saunders, with whom she shared a life centered on faith, family, and friendship. Together they created a home that was warm, welcoming, and always open to relatives, friends, and neighbors. She possessed a remarkable gift for making everyone feel at home.

A woman of strong Catholic faith, Marilyn’s relationship with God guided her throughout her life. She found comfort and strength in prayer, faithfully prayed the Rosary, and lived her faith through kindness, generosity, compassion, and devotion to her family. Her faith was not only something she practiced but something she shared through her example every day.

Marilyn was the devoted mother of Richard G. Saunders and his wife Gretchen of Malden, David P. Saunders and his wife Laura of Somerville, and Kathleen T. Saunders of Woburn. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure. She was the proud grandmother of Lissa, William, Kieran, Finnbar, and the late Kevin and Charles. Whether gathered around her table, sharing stories, celebrating holidays, or listening to her sons and grandchildren play music—especially traditional Irish music—Marilyn’s happiest moments were spent surrounded by those she loved.

Before her retirement, Marilyn worked for many years with the telephone company, where she was known for her dedication and warm personality. She was also a wonderful cook whose kitchen served as the heart of countless family gatherings. Known for being the last one to leave a celebration, Marilyn loved being with people and cherished every opportunity to laugh, reminisce, and make new memories.

Marilyn was the dear sister of the late Gerald, John, William, James, and Kevin Galvin, and the late Sr. Marian  Galvin, S.N.D. She is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Though her family grieves her loss, they find comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind and in the faith that sustained her throughout her life. Her warmth, quick wit, generosity, Irish spirit, unwavering faith, and deep love for family and friends will be remembered always.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Barbara Church, 138 Cambridge Rd., Woburn, on FRIDAY, June 5^th, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours on THURSDAY, June 4^th, from 4–7 p.m. at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home 263 Main St., Woburn. Remembrances may be made in her memory to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Retirement Fund, 30 Jeffrey’s Neck Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Barbara Church, 138 Cambridge Rd., Woburn, on FRIDAY, June 5^th, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours on THURSDAY, June 4^th, from 4–7 p.m. at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home 263 Main St., Woburn. Remembrances may be made in her memory to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Retirement Fund, 30 Jeffrey’s Neck Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938.