Marita Hutchinson

Marita Hutchinson

Agawam, MA - On the afternoon of March 8, my beloved mother shed her Earthly vessel to go home to the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer with Mark and Emily holding her hands. She was 70 years old.

Marita was born at the former Farren Memorial Hospital in Montague, the youngest child of the late Walter and Rita Broughan. She attended local schools and graduated from the Ralph C. Mahar high school. Mom would go on to graduate from Greenfield Community College in the first class to do so at the new campus [now its current location].

On a chance encounter one evening, she met Brion whom fell in love with her at first sight. Having found her best friend and soul mate, the two were married on a hot day in July and the following year welcomed their son Mark. I was born with a cleft palate that required extensive medical care. Mom stayed by my side every step of the way until I made a full recovery. Although their marriage would not survive the test of time, Mom and Dad's friendship would last forever. Being a mother was her greatest joy in life.

Marita's nearly 50-year professional career began at the Greenfield A. & P., where she made several close friendships that would last for decades. The majority of her career was in the publishing field and included Channing L. Bete and the Book Press. Later on, she transferred her skills to the medical field. At Cooley Dickinson, she met Mary and Kandy who would remain her closest friends forever. When an injury forced Mom's retirement, she spent a great amount of time struggling to regain her mobility.

Though she faced many obstacles in life she never once lost her faith in God. The faith she learned growing up in an Irish/Catholic family remained with her forever and she passed that faith onto her son.

While being a mother was her greatest joy, she also found happiness in reading, flower gardens, interior decorating, oldies music, Christmas music (all year long), Hallmark Channel Christmas movies and family genealogy. Her other love was the ocean; Hampton Beach and Maine. I'll never forget her face the first time she got to experience a game at Fenway Park.

Mom was welcomed into paradise by her parents, her brothers Mark and James, her sister Sharon, her niece Kelly, her sister-in-law Gail, and all her beloved family. Mom was also greeted with open paws by her furry family including Molly, Coco, Kaleigh, and her beloved grand kitty Margaret.

Mom will be forever missed and remembered by her son Mark and his wife Emily, her brother Peter and his wife Cheryl, her soulmate Brion, her nephew Nathan and his wife Karen, her brother-in-law Bill, and her best friend Mary. Additionally, she leaves a large extended family and friends.

A liturgy of Christian burial will take place at Our Lady of Peace Church (90 Seventh St, Turners Falls) on Tuesday, March 17, at 10:00 AM with Fr. Stanley Aksamit officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Marita's family will receive friends and family on Monday, March 16 from 4-6 PM at the Kostanski Funeral Home (1 Kostanski Square, Turners Falls).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Our Lady of Peace community meals program or to a local food pantry of your choice. Making sure everyone has food to eat was deeply important to her.

Mom, thank you for everything. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Forever love.

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com