Marilyn R. (Riccio) Pullen

Marilyn R Pullen (Riccio), age 81, of Natick, MA, formerly of Branford and Guilford, CT, passed away peacefully at home on September 22, 2024, surrounded by love and family. Born on April 6, 1943, in New Haven, CT, to Clara (D'Amato) Riccio and Peter J. Riccio, Marilyn spent her early years in Hamden, CT, before moving to Guilford, where she raised her two children, Amanda Pullen McLoughlin and Eric Paul Pullen. 

Although Marilyn was an only child, she was surrounded by a large, loving extended family. Her mother had eight siblings, and her father had nine, and from these large families came numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, many of whom she cherished deeply. Family gatherings were always full of life, laughter, and stories, and Marilyn kept those bonds strong throughout her life, even as the family expanded across generations. A devoted mother and homemaker, Marilyn took pride in creating a beautiful life for her family. She loved to cook, decorate for every holiday, and maintain an immaculate home. Her tomato sauce was legendary, and her dedication to her children was unparalleled. She loved nothing more than being with her family, especially her adored grandchildren, Alyssa S. Pullen and Michael E. McLoughlin, who lovingly knew her as "Nonna." 

Before starting her family, Marilyn worked at the blood bank at Yale New Haven Hospital. A lifelong learner, she attended classes at Quinnipiac College. She later earned her associate degree from the Academy of Business Careers in her mid-thirties, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average, allowing her to step into a successful career in bookkeeping. Known for her exceptional work ethic, she was dedicated to her roles at Apple Health Care and the Mary Wade Home, never one to leave a task unfinished. Marilyn's vibrant spirit was evident in her love for music, especially rock and roll. She attended countless concerts by her favorite bands—Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Def Leppard, and Queen—and filled her home with the sounds of her favorite CDs. When she wasn't rocking out, Marilyn enjoyed theater, ballet, opera, and museums, often sharing these experiences with her closest friends: Rita D'Angelo, Marilyn Smith, Suzy Wait, and Sue Williams. She also loved gardening, particularly tending to her magnificent roses at her home in Branford. 

A woman with a dramatic flair from her high school days in the drama club, Marilyn carried her passion for life into everything she did. She was fiercely loyal and generous, always ready to offer a helping hand or share a laugh over a delicious meal. Her ability to bring people together with stories and laughter was one of her many gifts. In 2019, Marilyn gained two bonus grandchildren, Sylvie and Chandler Barr, when her daughter Amanda married David Barr. Marilyn grew to love Sylvie and Chandler and was blessed to live with them and her grandson Michael when she moved to Natick, MA, in 2020, where she spent her final years under Amanda's care. As Marilyn slowed down in her later years, she found joy in life's simple pleasures—sharing stories, savoring delicious meals, or enjoying the pampering care of her dear friend, Laura Caputo. She cherished her time with family and found great happiness attending her day program at Elder-Well in Natick, where she often said, "Every day is a good day!" Marilyn's legacy of love, loyalty, and passion will continue inspiring all fortunate to know her.

Her children survive Marilyn, Amanda P. McLoughlin, and Eric P. Pullen; her son-in-law, David Barr; her grandchildren, Alyssa S. Pullen, Michael E. McLoughlin, Sylvie and Chandler Barr; her former husband, Richard P. Pullen; and her beloved dog, Mason. She is predeceased by her parents, Clara and Peter Riccio.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:  https://www.stjo.org/about/   https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/    www.humansociety.org