Marilyn Claire Field

Marilyn Claire (Ryan) Field, 92, passed away on Friday October 24th surrounded by her loving family. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when her family needed her most, offering support, wisdom, love, and the best family dinners in abundance.
"Mal" was born and raised in Dorchester, MA, and was fiercely proud to be "Originally From Dorchester" (OFD). She was a graduate of Dorchester High School for Girls and, upon graduation, began working at the telephone company.
Marriage brought Mal to her second home in Manchester, MA, where she and her husband Edward raised their seven children. After a bit of initial culture shock, Mal grew just as loyal to Manchester as she was to Dorchester.
In addition to raising her family, Mal worked as a waitress at Jimmy Lynch's, Howard Johnson's, and The Big Wheel. She later held positions at Rule & Varian, the Manchester Council on Aging, and the Memorial School.
Mal lived by a "family first" philosophy; one that extended to friends and her children's friends, all of whom were welcome at the Field residence. Her loyalty knew no bounds, especially when it came to supporting her children's and grandchildren's athletic pursuits. She traveled near and far to cheer them on, and home games often ended with a celebration at the house on Lincoln Street, where the door was always open to the neighborhood.
Perhaps Mal's greatest gift was her ability to make each of her seven children, sixteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren feel they were her most beloved. Her grandchildren cherished their time with their grandmother; highlighted by Tuesday Night Dinners during their childhood and later, by meals out with her as adults. She adored her family, and they adored her right back and she will be forever missed and remembered.
She is survived by her brother, Joseph Ryan, and his wife Fran of Hull, MA. In addition to her sixteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, she is also survived by her children: Mary Van Note and her husband Tom of Manchester, MA; Sean Field and his wife Kim of Manchester, MA; Eddie Field and his wife Kathy of Gloucester, MA; Ellen Lufkin and her husband Fitz of Gloucester, MA; Paula Bohnwagner and her husband Alan of Rolesville, NC; and Joanne Needham and her husband Gary of Vero Beach, FL.
Marilyn was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Edward J. "Coach" Field; her daughter, Patricia L. Sowa; her parents, Josephine (Quirk) and George Ryan; and her brothers, Robert Ryan and George Ryan.
Marilyn's funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 62 School Street, Manchester by the Sea, MA on Thursday, October 30th, at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, 128 Pine Street, Manchester by the Sea, MA. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.