Obituary of Marsha Anne Pavao

Marsha Anne Pavao, a former secretary at Lahey Clinic, beloved wife and loving mother, passed away on February 15, 2024 at the age of 69. Marsha was born to her parents Lawrence and Elsie of Quincy and grew up in Arlington before living in Burlington, Ma. After graduating from high school, Marsha worked at Filene’s in Belmont, she soon moved over to Lahey clinic in the radiology department, preparing records for doctors as they went in and out of X-Ray examinations. One day, she crossed paths with Edward, who she had worked with at Filene’s years prior. The two chatted and set a date. In July of 1989, they were married. 

Marsha and Ed built a wonderful life together in Burlington, where they raised their three children, Jennifer, Michelle, and Robert. Marsha made sure their home was always in season. A 6-foot indoor pine tree displayed appropriate decorations for whatever season it was. There were hearts on Valentine’s Day, clovers on St. Patrick’s Day, Stars and Stripes on July 4th and everything culminated with the boxes and boxes of snowmen that were brought out on Christmas. Marsha prided herself on the condition of the house. It was always in tip-top shape, freshly cleaned and ready to host. The family jokes that the house belonged on HGTV because it looked the part. She even sewed her own curtains, reupholstered chairs and embroidered linens. Every few months, Marsha would want a change of scenery, so she’d repaint a room here, and swap the fall themed room for something more nautical, and always keep things fresh. 

Marsha was as meticulous about the outside of the house as the inside. She cared for her garden with amazing attention, pulling up weeds by hand to make sure her sunflowers were never competing to thrive. She also grew vegetables that she proudly served her family and guests. Peppers and Cucumbers were two of the most sought after. 

Marsha had a tremendous heart and loved caring for others. As her family grew with the addition of her youngest two children and her niece and nephew, she jumped at the chance to switch careers. She retired from her work at Lahey, and switched to being a full time caretaker. She spent her days caring for the youngest members of her family, eventually caring for her two grandchildren as well. She did this for 15 years. 

A constant in Marsha’s life was the importance of family. Together with Ed, they hosted their extended family constantly. Holidays were spent at their house, as Ed handled the cooking of meals, and Marsha handled the baking of snacks and desserts. She specialized in Chocolate Chip cookies and a cake to symbolize the occasion. She would make an Easter Bunny cake for Easter, or a Santa cake for Christmas. 

Marsha and Ed’s family not only extended to their children, but also to their dogs. Marsha proudly cared for Abby and Dixie presently, who they adopted. Over the years, together with the kids, they cared for Jake, Vinnie, Sparky, Dusty, and Samantha; all of whom were well fed, well groomed, and well loved. 

Marsha and Ed also liked to travel. They took trips to Aruba and Mexico, where they caught up on some R&R, sitting on the beach and just enjoying some peace and quiet. Marsha had a great demeanor and could befriend a stranger within just a few moments. 

Marsha and Ed loved spending time up in Maine. It was always a home away from home for them. Marsha and Ed also loved to be by the water, so they summered in Wells, ME. Until after the kids had graduated from high school, they decided to make it their permanent home, as they resettled in Berwick, ME. It made for a family affair moving them, as the garden was relocated up to Berwick as well. Marsha enjoyed venturing over to the Kennebunk outlets, where she would go without needing anything specific, but she let the shops tell her what she needed. She was very into arts and crafts, and often found herself at various craft shows. 

Marsha will be remembered as a woman with a giving heart, and a style that was completely her own. She was always well-dressed whenever she left the house. Her children were her pride, but her grandchildren are her legacy. 

Marsha was the beloved wife of Edward Pavao of East Wareham, MA. She was the loving mother of Jennifer Mason and her husband Bradley, of Belmont, NH, Michelle Toomey and her husband Connor of West Bridgewater, MA, and Robert Pavao. She was the proud grandmother of Shelby and Griffin Mason, and was eagerly awaiting the birth of another grandson in March. She was the caring sister of Diane Jorge and her husband Fred of Arlington, MA, and Lori Legnon and her husband Justin of Burlington, MA. 

A visitation for Marsha will be held on Saturday, February 24, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, MA 01803. A funeral service for Marsha will begin at 1:30 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be private. 

In memory of Marsha, please consider donating to the ALS Association at www.als.org. 

For online guestbook, tribute video, and service information, please visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net