Marilyn (Wood) Wakeman, 96, a longtime resident of Framingham, died Saturday, January 24, 2026, after a period of declining health. Born in Asbury Park, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Lt. Frederick H.V. (RAF) & Helen M. (Stone) Wood, and the beloved wife of James D. Wakeman, 64 years.
Along with her husband James, Marilyn is survived by her children, James Jr. of CT, and Judith Lynn Llewellyn and her husband Allan Scott of Framingham, her grandchildren, Patrick Watton and Ryan Watton both of Framingham and Ryan Llewellyn of Wayland. Her sister-in-law, Lois (Wakeman) Buss of Tucson, AZ, as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
Besides her parents, Marilyn was predeceased by her son who died at birth and her siblings, Winifred Prescottt, Anne Trivolas-Eldridge, and Frederick G.E. Wood.
Marilyn was raised and educated in Northampton, MA where she was a graduate of Northampton High School in 1948. She went on to work at Prophylactic Brush Co. until she married James in 1961. Together they settled in Framingham where they raised their family.
Over the years Marilyn worked as a secretary for Framingham Public Schools in various middle schools and at one time she was known as “Mrs. MCAS”. She also worked as a secretary at Shoppers World. Active in her faith, she was a clerk for the Park Street Baptist Church, and later for the First Baptist Church in Framingham, where she taught Sunday School and was the creator of Library 4. She volunteered for G.O.S.H. She was a member and former secretary of the Framingham Flag Day committee. She was a Girl Scout Troop leader for many years. She was also a puppetter and created the “J Puppets of Framingham” from 1974 – 1985 where she created all her own puppets and would perform puppet shows at children’s birthday parties.
Marilyn loved family trips. Her favorites were driving cross country to Tucson, AZ, Alaska and traveling to London, England to her father’s birthplace. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word to say. She loved to knit and quilt. She would make pillows for her friends for all ocassions. She also loved to bird watch. Her favorite bird was the Blue Jay. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family, especially her grandsons.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Marilyn’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 53 Beech Street, Framingham on Friday, February 6th from 4-7PM. Her Funeral Services will be celebrated in the funeral home on Saturday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in Edgell Grove Cemetery, Framingham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marilyn’s name to: Alzheimer’s Research, www.alz.org
To share a memory with the Wakeman Family, kindly visit www.nortonfuneralhome.com
McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home