Marilyn J. Virgilio

Marilyn Jean (Mitchell) Virgilio passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by her loving family.

Marilyn was born on May 24, 1939, in Kittery, Maine to Joseph and Eleanor (Beaton) Mitchell. She was the beloved wife of the late Paul Luciano Virgilio, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and partnership.

A proud graduate of Gloucester High School, Marilyn began her career at the local telephone company. Her life took a wonderful turn when she fell in love with and married Paul, joining him in the family business-Virgilio's Bakery, where she helped with the bread-baking and warmly welcomed customers for many years. Marilyn's kindness and vibrant spirit helped make Virgilio's a cornerstone of the community.

Her home on Cherry Street was always open to family and friends, especially for her legendary pool parties. Marilyn was truly the life of the gathering-a gracious hostess who delighted in bringing people together with laughter, music and delicious food. Her radiant personality and generous heart left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Deeply proud of her Portuguese heritage, Marilyn grew up on "Portugee Hill" and remained devoted to her roots throughout her life. She was an active member of the Gloucester Fraternity Club and took great pride in participating in the annual Portuguese Crowning at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church where she was faithful parishioner.

She was one of the founding members of the Special Needs Dances held at the Gloucester Fraternity Club, where her compassion and joy uplifted many individuals and families within the special needs community.

Marilyn was pre-deceased by her husband Paul Virgilio, her twin sister Mary Caffery, sister Charlotte Hillshey and brother Joseph Mitchell.

Marilyn leaves behind her devoted children: Joseph Virgilio and his wife Nanci; Maria Tumbiolo and her husband Joseph; Paul Virgilio Jr.; and Catherine Gattineri and her husband Danny. She was the adored grandmother of Kailee, Rocky, Marissa, Daniel, Jason, Marc, Nicole and Alicia. She was the treasured great-grandmother of Emilia, Luciano, Summer, Christian, Madison, Marc, Lincoln, Joseph, Alerio and Gianna.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 142 Prospect Street in Gloucester, followed immediately by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM and her burial at Calvary Cemetery.

Marilyn's legacy of love, hospitality, faith and community spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marilyn's memory to The Friends of Seacoast Nursing Home.