MARION WHITTAKER WILL

AMHERST, Marion Whittaker Will died of congestive heart failure on July 26, 2012 at the Hospice of the Fisher Home in N. Amherst, MA.

Born in Northampton on March 19, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Ivy (Hulme) Whittaker. She attended Easthampton schools and graduated from EasthamptonHigh School in 1943. She married Alphonse E. Will of Holyoke on June 20, 1948.

After relocating with her family to the Berkshires in 1961, she returned to school and obtained an LPN license from McCannTechnicalSchool and eventually a BA in sociology from North Adams State College (now MCLA). She also earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut of which she was the most proud.

She earned a living primarily by working as a nurse at various nursing homes in the area including Northampton Nursing Home, Amherst Nursing Home, and Sunrise of Hadley and was also employed by temporary agencies. She worked as a nurse well into her seventies.

After retiring she enjoyed taking trips with her numerous friends, visiting family across the US, and volunteering at the AmherstSeniorCenter (BangsCenter) and CooleyDickinsonHospital. She had a great love of the arts and pursued modern technology with vigor including computers.

Marion was a woman of unending energy, enthusiasm for life, and dedication to helping her many children and grandchildren navigate life. She emphasized education, a love of music, and good character over material wealth. No matter what challenges were thrown her way, she blended a strong work ethic with a commitment to having a happy life.

She leaves her seven children including six daughters and one son, Christina W. Bennett of Pittsfield, Alan R. Will of Pittsfield, Cynthia Bollinger of San Carlos, CA, Carol Will of Hadley, Sharon Irwin of Vancouver, WA, Diane  Korzaof Eustis, FL, and Wendy Will of Florence, 13 grandchildren, Alan, Daniel, Tara, Christopher, Geoffrey, Benjamin, Nicole, Steven, Cameron, Paige, Leah, Wade and Summer and 2 great grandchildren, Maive and Colin.

Marion was predeceased by her brothers Roy Whittaker and Harry Whittaker, Jr. and her ex-husband Alphonse Will.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be planned at a later date this summer or fall. Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at the Fisher Home for taking such dedicated and loving care of Marion during her final weeks. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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