Marion Violet Britt Bak passed away peacefully at the Arbors Assisted Living in Amherst, Massachusetts on March 26, 2021. She was a devoted wife of 64 years, a loving mother and fiercely proud grandmother and great-grandmother.   

She was born in Amherst, Massachusetts on July 20, 1926, the daughter of Michael and Alice Britt, two Irish immigrants who instilled in their family a culture of core values: hard-work, modesty and caring for others.      

Marion proudly lived her entire life in Amherst. She attended Amherst grammar schools and graduated from Amherst High School in 1944. She attended the Katharine Gibbs School in Boston. As a young woman, she embraced her sense of fashion and style, working at Peck and Peck Clothing Store in Northampton prior to marriage and starting her family.

She was blessed with an independent Irish spirit, a strong will and a love of her family – a love that was returned 100-fold.  She was predeceased by her husband, John Bak. They enjoyed a long and happy life, working and living side by side together until his death in 2020.   

She was a supportive, protective and loyal mother to her four children, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren (and counting). She was affectionally known as Mimi and Nina to the family that adored her.    

Marion is survived by her four children: Susan Hitchcox of Hadley, Peter Bak and his wife Lauren of Marshfield, MA, Paul Kevin Bak and his wife Emily of Greenfield, MA and Terry Bryson and her husband Neil of Westbrook, ME. In addition, she leaves seven grandchildren: Kristen (Hitchcox) Enright and her husband John, Douglas Hitchcox and his wife Alex, Hilary (Bak) Previte and her husband Jake, Matthew Bak and his fiancé Gina Murray, Kayla (Bak) Interlande and her husband Tony, Abigail Bak and her fiancé Josh Johnson, and Kelly White and her husband Lee Terrazas. Finally, she leaves seven beloved great-grandchildren: John, George and Maxwell Enright, Vivian Previte, Calvin Interlande and Ayer and Leonel Terrazas.

Marion was a well-known resident of the town of Amherst, especially in the Crow Hill neighborhood, where she was considered one of the neighborhood Moms to the multiple children who grew up there. She was a woman of strong faith – a pillar member of Saint Brigid’s Church and a member of the Daughters of Isabella. She was known for her endless hours of volunteering her time for those needing a helping hand.

She had a zest for life. She loved dancing with her friends as a member of the Purple Stars, and spending time with her grandchildren in the backyard around the pool. She was an ardent supporter of their interests, and attended multiple events to cheer on and support them. The family barbeques were some of the happiest moments the family shared.      

Marion was predeceased by her sister Alice Childs, brothers Robert and George Britt of Amherst and Henry Britt of South Deerfield.

The family extends their deep gratitude to all those who took such wonderful care of Marion during her final journey. We will be forever grateful for the care and support extended to her by her loyal caregiver and “adopted daughter”, Beth Bachand.

There will be no calling hours. There will be a private family service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 N Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002