Marion K. Marabello, 95, of Naples, FL, formerly of Concord, passed away on May 6, 2024.
Marion was born in Westford, the eighth of twelve children of Joseph and Dolphine Connell.
She was the beloved wife of A. John Marabello, to whom she was married for almost 70 years. John predeceased Marion in 2021. Marion was active in the Concord business community for over 45 years as the co-owner with her husband John of Marabello Florist in the 1950’s-1960’s and Marabello Tree and Landscape Co. from the 1960s-1990s. Both businesses were start-ups and expanded through the years.
They grew most of their own flowers, fruits, vegetables, and shrubs, and were one of the first in Massachusetts to grow tomatoes “under glass” year-round. For numerous years, Marion supported many food-insecure families in town with free fresh vegetables. Marabello Tree & Landscape Company specialized in landscape design, planting, and year-round property maintenance.
Marion will be remembered for her gregarious personality, excellent business acumen, innovative marketing techniques, profound love of flowers, “green thumb,” and generosity. Her boundless energy and stamina would put younger people to shame. Always the optimist, she had a vision for business and the tenacity to realize it.
Marion enjoyed swimming, gardening, yoga, and music. She began playing golf at age 75 and continued into her 90’s. Marion valued time with family and friends, always taking an interest in their lives, sending cards, and offering words of encouragement, advice, and prayers.
Marion will be deeply missed by her family and all those who came to know and love her. She leaves behind her son John, daughter Gail and husband Jim, and grandson Jeff and his wife Jessie. All her brothers and sisters have predeceased her. Her sister-in-law Susan Connell is the last surviving aunt of the family. Her many nieces and nephews will miss her personalized Happy Birthday singing telegrams.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Marion’s life during visiting hours at Dee Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 14th. Her Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. in St. Bernard’s Church at Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord Center.
Donations to honor Marion’s memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or offer a condolence in Marion’s online guestbook, visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
