Obituary of Muriel A. Roby

Muriel A. “Lovey” Roby, 87, of Burlington, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 12, 2024, with her family by her side. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a boundless spirit that radiated joy to all who knew her. She greeted everyone she met with a twinkle in her eye and a sunny smile.

She was a loving wife to her husband of 64 years, Richard “Dick” Roby of Burlington, an adoring mother to her three daughters, D’Arcy Mello of Burlington, Denise Gallagher and her husband Dan of Westford, and Deanne Roby and her husband Stephen Bassett of Catawba, NC, and a best friend to her two sisters, Beverly Eastman Warren of Wellfleet and the late Joan Berrio Taylor of Wellfleet and Hobe Sound, FL, and devoted aunt to her many much-loved nieces and nephews. She was loved dearly by her five grandchildren, Nicholas Mello, Samantha Mello, Matthew Gallagher, Jacqueline Gallagher and Jessica Gallagher.

Lovey was born the daughter of the late Norman and Margaret “Lillian” (Gates) Scott and grew up in Melrose. She graduated from Melrose High School prior to furthering her education at Katharine Gibbs School. She loved working as a successful typographer and graphic designer, a long and impactful career that lasted through her late 60s.

Her nickname, “Lovey”, was testament to her unwavering affection for people and her genuine interest in connecting with them. Everyone was a friend in Lovey’s eyes, even if she only met them once in passing. She made everyone feel like family. Whether it was a friend of her children or a friend of her grandchildren, she’d scoop them into a hug and kiss with a “love you” and really meant it. For nearly nine decades, Lovey cultivated lasting friendships, weaving a tapestry of cherished relationships that illuminated her life. 

Lovey’s love story with her husband Dick began amidst the bustling atmosphere of National Radio in Malden. Their first date blossomed into an all-night conversation in her parents’ breakfast nook, complete with a declaration of love written in Cheerios, a testament to the depth of their love and connection that defined their 64 years together. 

In addition to her vibrant social life and unwavering love for her husband, Lovey’s zest for life was inexhaustible, earning her another nickname, the Energizer Bunny. She embraced every moment with contagious enthusiasm and made every outing an event, even if it was just having coffee with her friends and then sharing all the details with everyone afterward. Lovey loved to entertain and made sure her kitchen table was always filled with food, with plenty of “nibblies” to go around. She was a great cook who rarely used a recipe. Her guilty pleasures, such as Hallmark movies, competitive card games, and “little” Black Russians, were enjoyed in the company of loved ones, adding an extra sparkle to shared moments. 

Her connection to family and many cherished memories at the family cottage on Duck Creek in Wellfleet made the cottage her happy place. “The cottage” and Wellfleet have held a special place in Lovey’s heart since her childhood.

Summering at the family cottage was a tradition passed down through generations, and Lovey wholeheartedly embraced it. Her favorite Wellfleet pastimes were lazy days spent at Newcomb Hollow and Mayo Beach, celebrating Fourth of July parades, peaceful evenings watching stars on lounge chairs overlooking the creek, and floating on a raft in the bay with her sister, Bev. She eagerly introduced her husband, daughters, grandchildren, friends, and anyone else that would come to the magic of the Cape, sharing with them the timeless pleasures she grew up with as a child. There was never a moment when the cottage on Duck Creek wasn’t filled with laughter among family and friends, whether it was one of Lovey and Dick’s parties or a gathering of the whole family.

Rest in peace, laughter and sunshine, Lovey. We love you a whole sack-a-bunch! 

 

 

A service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Wellfleet on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. 

A gathering to celebrate and remember Lovey will be held in the Burlington area at a time and place to be announced. To honor Lovey, consider a memorial donation in her name to the Wellfleet Historical Society & Museum, 262 Main Street, Wellfleet, MA 02667, or to plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of her, please visit https://www.thegiftedtree.com/memorial-gift-tree/To leave a condolence to her family or to view her memorial slideshow, please visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net