Dr. Marilyn Nicholas

Dr. Marilyn Nicholas, a devoted educator and mentor whose work in teacher education inspired generations, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by family and friends. A longtime member of her communities in Watertown, Nonantum, and Baltimore, she was widely admired for her dedication to teaching, mentorship, and service.

She was the daughter of the late Francesco "Frank" Lombardi, an immigrant from San Donato Val di Comino, Italy, who owned Lombardi Apothecary in Nonantum, and the late Mary (Garafalo) Lombardi, originally from Watertown. After moving to Baltimore, Marilyn maintained close ties to both Watertown and Newton through her extended family and lifelong friendships.

A proud graduate of Regis College in 1959, Marilyn earned her Master of Education from Boston University in 1963 and her Doctorate of Education from George Washington University in 1976. She taught at Towson University in Maryland from 1967 to 1999 and was later named Professor Emeritus of Instructional Leadership and Professional Development. She continued teaching distance-learning courses well into retirement. During her tenure, she championed student teaching and helped establish Towson's first student teaching center, mentoring generations of students and colleagues along the way.

Marilyn was a dear, devoted and much-admired member of P.E.O. Chapter K, an international philanthropic organization dedicated to celebrating, supporting and motivating women. As a P.E.O, she and her sisters helped to provide life-changing educational opportunities to women around the world through generous financial support. Marilyn served actively in Chapter K, both as Recording Secretary for 3 years, and subsequently as President for 5 years.

In 2025, Kappa Delta Pi and the Association of Teacher Educators renamed their national Student Teacher of the Year Award the Dr. Marilyn Nicholas National Student Teaching Award in recognition of her lifelong dedication. Marilyn had helped establish the award more than twenty years earlier and served as chair of its review committee.

After retiring from Towson and returning to Watertown in 2010, Marilyn remained active in her community. She was a devoted member of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, participating in the parish's Bereavement Group and also serving as a lector. In addition she worked part-time at the Nonantum gift shop Greentail Table and with a Boston travel company, delighting in greeting customers, connecting people, and supporting local artists.

Though an only child, Marilyn cherished her extended family and nurtured bonds across generations-caring for elder relatives like her Aunt Dot, her Uncle Jerry, and her Auntie Alyce, and corresponding with younger cousins. She often arrived at Sunday suppers with something sweet from Antoine's Bakery or a small thoughtful token, and enjoyed planning outings or meals to celebrate and stay connected.

Marilyn was admired for her elegance, warmth, and quiet confidence. Despite her many accomplishments, she remained modest and gracious, greeting others with a warm smile, thoughtful encouragement, and a contagious laugh. Her lifetime of teaching, mentorship, and generosity reflected her deep love of family, community, and the many lives she touched. She enjoyed traveling, theatre, music, and an occasional Dewar's on the rocks with family and friends.

She is survived by many cousins and their children and grandchildren, as well as dear friends and colleagues from Watertown, Newton, Towson, and Baltimore. The family extends sincere thanks to all who comforted Marilyn and supported her and her loved ones during this time.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on May 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington Street, Newton, Massachusetts, followed by a celebration of life at St. Jean's Hall in the Lower Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support the Dr. Marilyn Nicholas National Student Teaching Award or to support the mission of P.E.O. Chapter K at https://www.peointernational.org/make-a-gift/.