Marilyn Wales

Marilyn Elise Wales passed away peacefully at her home on February 2nd. She was 80 years old.

The only child of Frank and Lillian (Burkard) Maiers, Marilyn grew up in Dedham, Massachusetts. Her father died when she was eight years old, and Marilyn quickly took on many day-to-day responsibilities to help her grief-stricken mother. This caretaker role, pursued without any desire for recognition, became a primary characteristic throughout her life as Marilyn engaged with friends and family. Marilyn could always rise to any occasion.

As she grew up, Marilyn loved to figure skate on nearby ponds and was often called upon by pond hockey participants to play goalie. At Dedham High School, she looked forward to Friday night dances, where she was often found in the center of the dance floor. She spent many happy times throughout her life with her beloved relatives, Virginia, Joan, Alicia, and Cari.

Marilyn was hired into the secretarial pool at State Street Bank when she was only 18 years old. She was to spend her entire 46-year professional career there. Although she loathed to describe herself as ambitious, Marilyn’s work ethic, business acumen, and resonant warmth propelled her up the ranks. Ultimately, she became a vice president in State Street’s Trust Department.

In 1995, Marilyn married Ted Wales, with whom she had worked at State Street Bank for many years. Their love for one another ran deep and was attached to many shared interests. Primary among those passions was a fascination with airplanes and air travel. So it was no surprise that they chose to spend their honeymoon night at a hotel at Logan Airport, where they could watch jets take off and land.

From the time of her marriage to the day she passed away, Marilyn gave special attention to her stepsons and stepdaughters-in-law: Ted Wales, Jr. and Grace Murphy; Ralph Wales and Martha Dineen Wales; and Andrew and Barbara Wales. Her stepfamily always thought of Marilyn as their father’s gift to them, especially after Ted passed away in 2003.

Marilyn tended to her home and property with loving care. She took great joy in gathering her family and friends for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Her step-grandchildren looked forward to these festive meals and to the attention Marilyn gave to decorating her home inside and out for the holidays.

Marilyn loved to travel. She was the primary planner and organizer for her friends as they journeyed to Key West in the winter and to the British Isles in the spring. These were joyful excursions that benefited from Marilyn’s ability to manage her friends' various interests. Meals were never skipped, shopping was always included, and days always ended with a cocktail. Listening to Marilyn’s retelling of any of these trips was a dependable source of unrestrained laughter.

An early riser, Marilyn found inspiration and comfort in the daily witness of a sunrise and the wildlife in her backyard. She had particular affection for a fox that would welcome her with a raspy bark as she had her morning tea. Indeed, Marilyn was a wise observer and appreciative witness throughout her life. All of us will savor our memories of her laughter, her quiet strength, her warm hugs, and her understanding nature.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass for Marilyn on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11:00AM, at St. Denis Church, 157 Washington Street, Westwood, MA 02090. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn's name may be made to a charity of your choice.