MacLeod, Marilyn Morss April was born on April 3, 1927, to Charles and Sylvia Morss of New York. She was the wife of the late Herbert W. MacLeod, Jr., and the sister of Sylvia Morss Page, who predeceased her, and Charles A. Morss of Naples, FL.
The Morss family settled in West Hartford, CT, where Marilyn attended Oxford School, followed by secondary school at Chatham Hall in Virginia. She graduated from Briarcliff College in 1947.
During a ski trip in New Hampshire with friends, Marilyn met a young WWII Navy vet, Herbert Willis MacLeod, Jr. of Reading, MA, and they married in September 1949.
The newlyweds settled into their first home in Reading and started raising a family, including first a daughter, Marilyn (nicknamed Linde), followed by three sons, Herbert W. (Scott) MacLeod, III, Peter S. MacLeod, and Gary Morss MacLeod.
In the late ’60s, Marilyn and Herb purchased a hilltop field in rural Topsfield, and built a home there in 1968. The MacLeod family made many lasting friendships in Topsfield, especially with their wonderful neighbors. They also enjoyed tennis, golf, and frequent ski trips to New Hampshire.
After more than 30 years of marriage, Herb passed away suddenly from a cardiac event in June 1980 at the age of 55. Marilyn was devastated by the sudden loss, but she demonstrated great strength and resilience for her children.
In 1982, with the children on their own, Marilyn decided to start a new life in one of her favorite places, Falmouth, MA. She became part of the welcoming and vibrant Falmouth community, joining the parish of St. Barnabas and supporting many community organizations, including Falmouth Hospital, Highfield Hall, Falmouth Historical Society, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
Marilyn was a breast cancer survivor and volunteer, helping other survivors through the American Cancer Society‘s “Reach to Recovery” program.
Over the years, Marilyn stayed in close touch with her children, who married and started families of their own. She doted on her five grandkids and treasured each one for their special gifts. Life was full and busy, and “Grandma ‘Cloud'” was always present for holidays, special occasions, or just plain fun.
Marilyn was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in 2007. With her otherwise good health, positive attitude, and determination, she continue to live independently until 2014, when she moved to The Terraces of Orleans and continued to enjoy visits from friends and family and watching the Golf Channel.
Marilyn passed away peacefully at age 93 on December 14, 2020, after a beautiful life filled with love, kindness, empathy for others, and many happy memories.
She will be remembered with love by her children and grandchildren: Linde MacLeod and Paul Robinson of Orleans, Scott MacLeod and Carol Bye-MacLeod of Plum Island, Peter and Kim MacLeod of Gloucester, and Gary and Judy MacLeod of Hubbardston, grandchildren Michael and Laura Robinson, Dan and Carly MacLeod, and Matt MacLeod, her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Laurie Morss of Naples, FL, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Due to COVID-19, a Burial Ceremony was held by the immediate family at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody on December 26. A Celebration of Life in remembrance of Marilyn will be held at a future date.
Donations in Marilyn’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of the donor’s choice. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com
