Marylin (Maggie) Thirkell formerly of Newburyport and Melrose, MA died peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2014 after a two-year battle with ALS. She was 75 years of age. Marylin was born on March 17, 1938 in NYC, daughter of the late William & Mary McGrath of Marblehead, MA and Key Biscayne, FL. She then grew up in Melrose, MA were she was a 1956 graduate of Melrose High School, and later attended Southern Seminary in VA, followed by graduating from Chandler College. She was a Respiratory Therapist from 1980 till 2000 at various institutes including Boston University Hospital and Lahey Clinic. Marylin is survived by three children; Michael Thirkell and his wife Tanya of Santee, CA, Kelly Seibel and her husband Peter of Wakefield, MA and Christina Thirkell of Boston/Newport, RI. She is also is survived by her brother, William McGrath of Portsmouth, NH and was the proud grandmother of Daniel, Tim, Madison and Alyssa. Those who knew Maggie will remember her love for her family and particularly her extended family where most of their time was spent summering in Goose Rocks Beach/Kennebunkport ME for the early-mid part of her years. In her later years, she spent the winters sailing the Caribbean, which she enjoyed with friends for many years. Along with her early passion for tennis on and off the court, playing cards and her tenacious appetite for New England lobster, she will be most remembered for her unconditional love, generosity and support to her children. Gately Funeral Home in Melrose MA, is in charge of arrangements. However there will not be a viewing at Gately Funeral Home, rather a church service at St. Mary's Church in Melrose, MA at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 11th followed by a brunch gathering of family and friends at Bellevue Country Club in Melrose, MA at 12:30 p.m, where the Thirkell's were former members. Marylin's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at The ALS Association – Massachusetts Chapter for their friendship, support, comforting and care and compassion during her journey. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Marylin's memory to the following: The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter 315 Norwood Park South, 1st Floor Norwood, MA 02062 Contributions can also be made online to The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter at: http://webma.alsa.org Burial: Saturday, January 11, 2014