Hadley, Marilyn Spillane Judah, died peacefully at home on January 4, 2017 from cancer. Born in 1949, she was raised in Staten Island by her parents Edward and Jessie Spillane.

Marilyn’s inquisitive nature launched a life-long fascination with quantum physics, math, geometry and spirituality. She was an art student, flight attendant and fashion model in NYC in her twenties. She owned a home in the foothills of the Alps in Northern Italy, and held dual citizenship between the U.S. and Ireland, the country of her heritage. As a member of the Flight Attendant Volunteer Corps, she helped transport children being adopted from Korea. She also volunteered at the Navajo Reservation in NM, teaching cultural awareness programs to Navajo children. 

Marilyn lived in Boston before her marriage and worked as a Landscape Expressionist painter throughout her life. She graduated cum laude from UMass Amherst with a double BFA in painting/studio arts and art education.  She received a Masters of Technology in Education at Lesley University. She pioneered the use of technology and the internet as a teaching tool for students and teachers at Hopkins Academy. She was the sole art teacher for over 3,000 students from 1995 until February 2016. Marilyn was twice rated Exemplary Teacher. She was a fierce champion of her beloved students. She will be remembered for two large murals that she designed and installed at Hopkins. They depict the history and beauty of Hadley, and were a true community effort. She was also one of the original co-founders of the Hadley Art Association, and twice served the Town of Hadley as a member of the Cultural Council,  Marilyn loved photography, kayaking and skiing. She cherished walks to the Connecticut River, mountaintop hikes, trips to the ocean and her family home in Glen Spey, NY. She was an avid gardener, and helped grow and deliver organic food to local survival centers.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Jessica Judah, her grandson Deagan Michael, and ‘adopted’ son Josh, by her three older siblings, Richard Spillane of Los Angeles, Sheila Michaud of Manchester, NJ, and Regina Von Bevern, of Staten Island; as well as wonderful, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, Feb 4, 2017 at the Most Holy Redeemer Church, 120 Russell St, Hadley, MA with a church reception immediately following.

 In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund is being set up for Marilyn’s grandson Deagan in her memory.