Obituary of Marilyn P Wilkins

Marilyn P. (Walsh) Wilkins, 77, of Peabody, died Friday evening at the Devereaux House in Marblehead following a brief illness. She was the former wife of Albert Wilkins.

Born in Peabody, she was the daughter of the late T. Francis and Helen (Anderson) Walsh.  She was a long-time resident of Peabody, attending the Thomas Carroll School and Peabody High School Class of 1959. She also lived for 15 years in Amesbury, MA.

Marilyn first started working as a waitress at the former Kent’s Restaurant and the Honey Bee in Peabody; she later worked as a switchboard operator for answering services in both Peabody and Amesbury for many years before retiring years ago. For many years she was active in the foster care community having taken many North Shore area children into her home. In her eldest years she was accompanied by her lovable Yorkie, Bailey-Rose. She also enjoyed collecting antique post cards and Irish teapots.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Paulina Wilkins of Peabody, her daughter, Kelly Wayman-Kerr of NH and her 7 grandchildren, Patryk and Olivia Wilkins, Cristine, Kyle, and Sean Nadeau, Cara Fazio, Dante Nunez, and by her very special foster son, Rick Dempsey; along with many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother, Robert F. Walsh.  

Following cremation, her Funeral Service will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Peabody at 10:00 AM on Friday August 30 to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem.  At Marilyn’s request, there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the North Shore Elders Services, 300 Rosewood Drive, Unit 200, Danvers, MA 01923.