Marion E. Jones

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Marion Elizabeth (Falconbridge) Jones on May 16, 2024, at Notre Dame Long Term Care Facility in Worcester, just shy of her 96^th birthday.  On May 20, 1928, Marion was born in the Royal Hospital in Guelph, Ontario, Canada to Blair Howard & Beatrice Nellie (Harris) Falconbridge.   Marion was the oldest of four children, her younger brothers John, Paul, and David, all predeceased her.  Marion emigrated to the United States in 1946, at eighteen years old, originally residing in Lancaster, MA, and moving to Worcester in the 1950’s.  Marion lived in different parts of the city, finally settling in the Tatnuck area for the last forty years.    

One of Marion’s first jobs was at Wesby’s as a book binder.  This is where she met many people that became lifelong friends.  She then moved to Devonshire Financial Services, and after meeting Steven’s future father, became a stay-at-home Mom after Steven was born. Eventually she returned to work, beginning a 16-year career at UMASS Medical Center in the Personnel Department, until her retirement in 1994.   Over the years, Marion enjoyed participation in many activities, including as a cub scout leader and den mother, a Red Hat member, a 40-year participant in the WHI (Women’s Health Initiative) Study, and with the help of Clifford Fisher, forming the UMASS Retirees Group, of which she served nine years as President.

Known by many as Marnie, Marion was a lifelong sports fan, having grown up in Canada, she skated from an early age.  She enjoyed tennis and was an avid bowler, originally in candlepin leagues.  She eventually became an excellent ten pin bowler, taking part in the WIBC League at Brunswick Lincoln Lanes for many years where she served as both league Secretary and President.  Marion not only enjoyed participating in sports, but she was faithful to her ‘adopted’ hometown teams, especially the Bruins and Red Sox (although originally a Boston Braves fan, until their move!), as well as the Patriots.  She enjoyed gardening, anything Frank Sinatra, and travelling.  Marion’s favorite trip was to the United Kingdom, seeing Ireland, Scotland, and England (the birthplace of her mother).  Marion was always proud of her home and doted over it, until relocating to Notre Dame.

Marion was a loving and caring person to all, but especially those that she felt needed her help in one way, or the other.  She made many, many friends over the years because she reached out to nurture the relationships.  She was there to listen to anyone who needed an ear.  Her advice was conservative and sound, always ensuring that the loved one would not make a misstep.  Marion will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Marion is survived by one son, Steven H. Doherty, wife Melinda (Wicks), and two grandchildren, Cassidy and Madison Doherty, two sisters-in-law, Ann Falconbridge and Barbara Falconbridge, Nephews and Nieces, Vaida and husband Kimber, Raymond, & Jeremy and wife Rita, Mark and Jeannine, Debra and Cheryl, step son, Daniel Sr. and wife Margaret Jones and grandchildren Daniel Jr. and wife Alana and grandson Cameron, Meaghan and husband Bobby and grandchildren Georgie, Teddie and Rosie, and Kevin and Natalie, step son Frederick Doherty and wife Eileen, step son David Doherty, step daughter, Caren Doherty-McLaughlin & step great grandson, Garrett Forget, cousins Laura Haferkorn and John Harris in Canada, as well as numerous extended family throughout the United States and Canada.

Marion also leaves, friends, including Jeanne Riccardi, her friend of 50 years, Susan Schenk, Linda Jones, Elaine Grady, Jane Ford, Holly Bartleman, as well as Alex, Erika, and Dani Lea, who were wonderful friends and neighbors for many years, her newest neighbor/roommate Delores Bergeron, and James June, a close confidant and advisor.   Besides her parents and brothers, Marion was predeceased by her husband, Edward F. Jones, Steven’s father, Martin F. Doherty, Jean (Grosso) MacConnell, her friend of 70+ years, Gloria D’Ascanio, her friend of 50+ years, Janice Browne, a friend of many years and her niece, Lynn Falconbridge.

Marion’s family also wishes to extend a warm thank you to the staff at Notre Dame Long Term Care who made her transition from her home of forty years to their care as enjoyable as possible.  Extra thanks to those who were there for and with her during her last hours.  The respect shown for her at that time is greatly appreciated.

Visitation will be held at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 5-7 pm.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 10 am, in the funeral home followed by burial at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, MA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Notre Dame LTC @ notredamehealthcare.org, the Seventh Day Adventist Church @worcesterma.adventistchurch.org, or a charity of your choosing.