Marsha F. Franklin

Southbridge: Marsha F. (Underwood) Franklin, 69, of Southbridge, died peacefully Saturday, June 21, 2008 at the Meadows of Leicester, following a long illness.

She is survived by her children, Catherine Clemens of Tennessee, Dr. Kelly Celony and her husband Woobens of New York, Patrick Franklin of Southbridge, Shannon Franklin of California, John Franklin and his wife Sonia of Gardner, and Erin Franklin and her husband Derek Francis of Tennesee; two brothers, Gary Underwood of Ohio, and Kevin Underwood of Charlton; three sisters, Gayle Underwood of Rhode Island, Myrtie "Barbara" Benoit of Sturbridge, and Judie Brunelle of Mississippi; nine grandchildren, Ashley Clemons, Brian, Jacob, Heather, Jessica, Justin, and Ainsley Franklin, Alec Ashworth, and Woobens Celony; and several nieces and nephews.

She was born in Southbridge on August 23, 1938 and was the daughter of the late Roland G. and Rita June (Toomey) Underwood. Marsha graduated from Tantasqua Regional High School class of 1956, and then entered the first class to graduate from Henry Heywood Hospital School of Nursing and received her nursing pin in 1959. Marsha worked many places over her life, always in the service of helping others. Marsha enjoyed her family and the time she spent with them. She enjoyed making cookies and was lovingly referred to as "Gramma Cookie". She also enjoyed going to shows and listening to country music.

Her funeral will be held on Friday, June 27, 2008 from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton Street, Southbridge, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Anne's Church, 16 Church St., Sturbridge. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, June 26, 2008 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210.

www.morrillfuneralhome.com