Marilyn Louise Franklin

Marilyn L. (Dow) Franklin, 88, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, November 8, 2025, at Seacoast Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester, surrounded by the comforting presence of her family.
She was the devoted wife of Charles "Charlie" Franklin, with whom she would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary later this month.
Born in Winthrop, MA, on September 4, 1937, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Marguerite (Mullen) and Mervell G. Dow. In her early life, she lived in the Beachmont section of Revere before moving to Ipswich, where she attended Ipswich High School.
She met the love of her life, Charlie, on a blind date, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and devotion. From that day forward, they were inseparable. Marilyn lovingly called him "Honey," a name that became a hallmark of their enduring love. Together, they built a beautiful life in Manchester-by-the-Sea, where they raised their six children.
Marilyn was a dedicated homemaker who also provided childcare from her home, nurturing and caring for many children throughout the years. Her home was always filled with laughter, joy, and the lively sounds of family life. She cherished sunny days at Singing Beach with her children and later loved joining Charlie on his long-haul trucking trips across the country.
In their later years, Marilyn and Charlie enjoyed lakeside family vacations in New Hampshire and winter getaways in Florida. Marilyn had a deep love for her family and for life's simple pleasures - she enjoyed singing hymns, reciting nursery rhymes, traveling to visit loved ones, and indulging in spontaneous rides for ice cream while "spinning the beach" or cruising along the back shore. She was a loving Nana who treasured every moment with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose smiles always brought her joy. Known affectionately as the "Facebook Queen," she delighted in staying connected with family and friends near and far.
In addition to her beloved husband, Charlie, Marilyn is survived by her children: Lucinda "Cindy" Waller and her husband Jack of Conestoga, PA; Karen Tuffo and her husband Jim of Dennis, MA; Robin Miller and her husband Donny of Brownfield, ME; Rebecca "Becky" Butler and her husband William of Newton, NH; and Scott Franklin and his wife Angelic of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. Brother in-law to Gordon Franklin of Key West, FL and Sister in-law, Peggy Dow of North Port, FL & Ipswich, MA.
She is also survived by her grandchildren Jennifer Franklin, Christina Katz, Christopher Waller, Jessica Goater, Jillian Tuffo, Derek Miller, Kimberly Bishop, Tyler Miller, Amanda Lee-McPhee, Colby Butler, and Scotty Franklin; 28 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her beloved son Charles "Chuckie" Franklin; her siblings Barbara Blanchard, Charlotte Paquin, Richard Dow, and Sandra Rutherfurd; and her grandsons Jason Franklin and Kevin Franklin.
Marilyn's love for her family was boundless, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on November 20th at 12pm. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 11am to 12pm. Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Manchester-By-The-Sea. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marilyn's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association or Leukemia Society. Information, directions and condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.