Marilyn A. (Powers) Early

Marilyn A. (Powers) Early, 88, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023, in her home surrounded by her large and loving family. Her beloved husband and high school sweetheart, Congressman Joseph D. Early, died in 2012.

Marilyn leaves eight children and twenty-three grandchildren, each one of whom believed that they were her "favorite." She leaves Joseph D. Early, Jr., Worcester County District Attorney, his wife Judy, and their children, Julia, J.J., Rosie, Bobby, and Jackie; Mark Early, his fiancée, Francine Ryan, and his children Ryan and Cassidy and wife Lily; Colleen Early and her husband Tim Friedman; Maureen Early Vlak, Esq., her husband Gus, and their children Alex and Lucas; Lynn Early Rushton, N.P., her husband Rick, and their children Ricky and Liam; Sean Early, Esq., and his children JoJo, Molly, Jack, and Maddy; Eileen Early Maltais, M.D., her husband Mike, and their children Riley, Bella, and Charlie; and Patrick Early, his wife Shellee, and children Maddy Wailonis, Cam, Trevor, Daisy, and Brian. She also leaves her brother, Robert Powers, and his wife Mary Anne, her sister-in-law, Lori Powers, brother-in-law, Ted Gallagher, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Thomas and Kenneth Powers.

Marilyn was born in Worcester, the daughter of Thomas and Mary (O'Leary) Powers. She attended St. Stephen's High School, Quinsigamond Community College, and later in life, continued her education at Worcester State College.

The heart and soul of her family, Marilyn instilled in her children and grandchildren that family is most important. She was honored by the fact that her children excelled in the fields of medicine, law, government, education, and the armed services. She enjoyed knitting, yoga, and fashion, but what made her happiest was spending time and celebrating with family and friends. For 39 years, she loved the Early family reunion at the beach on Cape Cod, where many would ask her, "just how many of you are there?" Marilyn was a woman of beauty and grace who had a quiet strength and resilience that so many relied on. Your day was always brighter after seeing or talking to Marilyn. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Honoring her wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester. Athy Memorial Home is directing the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joseph D. Early Scholarship Fund at the Greater Worcester Community Foundation (370 Main Street, Suite 650, Worcester, MA 01608), which benefits Worcester public school students entering college pursuing a career in public service.