Marcia Gwen Whittington


Marcia Gwen Whittington, 83, of Waban, MA died on September 26, 2017 peacefully in her home. She was born on April 23, 1934 in Lawrenceville, IL to the late Marshall Glenn and Wanda (Bouchie) Whittington.

Marcia was proud to be the first in her family to graduate from high school. She went on to earn her B.A. in English Literature from DePauw University in 1956. Upon graduating, she spent a memorable summer touring Europe with her college dance troupe. Upon her return, she settled in Cambridge, MA, which most reminded her of the European cities she had fallen in love with, meeting and marrying Joseph L. Massimo, to whom she was married for 17 years. She rekindled her love of dance and musical theater, taking voice lessons, becoming involved with a community theater group, and later performing in professional dinner theater engagements. She was well known in the Newton community for her strong, vibrant and melodious voice.

In 1982, she became an entrepreneur, establishing Host Homes of Boston, a Bed & Breakfast reservation service which she ran successfully out of her home for 32 years before finally closing down in 2014 at the age of 80.

She is survived by her children, Joseph L. (Jay) Massimo and his wife, Doryam Gomez Massimo, of Newton, MA, and Renee Clare Smith and her husband, Thomas Smith, of Killingworth, CT, and grandchildren Diana Andrea Massimo, Jacob Clarence Smith and Abigail Clare Smith. She is also survived by her younger sister, Susan Mason, of Paxton, IL.

The family will hold private services. The family would like to thank the Care Dimensions Hospice team for their support.

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14 Condolences

  1. Nancy netsch on September 27, 2017 at 5:14 pm

    So many childhood memories are flooding me



  2. Debbie Blicher on September 27, 2017 at 5:47 pm

    She was an inspiration to me when I met her in my teens. Such a lively soul, always learning, always appreciative of the gifts life brought her. I thought she was an amazing mother, raising her children to be well-balanced people. May her love and light live on.



  3. J Jones on September 27, 2017 at 7:11 pm

    Marcia was a classmate of mine. Will always remember her. J. Sue (Rousey) Jones



  4. Kay (McCleave) Ratten on September 27, 2017 at 10:22 pm

    Many happy memories of high school days with the lovely and talented Marcia.



  5. Jeannie (Corder) Herron on September 28, 2017 at 12:16 am

    Fond memories growing up in Lawrenceville ….especially in our high school years



  6. Jeff Weisenfreund on September 28, 2017 at 3:03 am

    I am so sorry to receive this news. I can still hear Marcia’s voice at an audition we both attended. Jay and Renee, and your families, please accept my deepest condolences. May Marcia Whittington’s memory be for a blessing.



  7. Annie Scott on September 28, 2017 at 3:36 am

    Such a vibrant soul – may we continue to speak her name – Marcia, take your flight – rest. Renee and Tom and Jake and Abby a remember all the good and funny and secret soft memories – remember all the hard and not so funny and edgy, too. It will be the memories that bring peace in time.
    Yours always – Annie



  8. Ruth Brown (Ruthie) on September 28, 2017 at 5:09 pm

    Our neighborhood will not be the same. We met the day you moved in and have remained close ever since.

    We will miss you greatly. I can still hear you singing on your porch

    Your house will always be Marcia’s in my mind
    It’s so hard to know you aren’t there whenever i look out my windows. Or just walk around my house and you aren’t next door



  9. Jane douglas on September 29, 2017 at 1:59 am

    I wish I had the words that could weave a quilt of love large enough to wrap you in comfort. The loss of someone so magical will take time to work through. May the memories of your laughter and the knowledge that her unconditional love lives on in you bring you peace. Sending my prayers and love.

    Xo jane



  10. Jackie Price LTHS class 1952 on September 29, 2017 at 2:05 am

    To Joseph & Renee I’m so sad for your loss. Marcia gave me such encouragement & positive thoughts during my breast cancer & mastectomy. Just want you to know what a special person she was.



  11. Jackie Price LTHS class of '52 on September 29, 2017 at 2:37 pm

    Marcia had a real effect on my life. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer & had mastectomy she gave me such positive thoughts & encouragement. Ten years later I remember, still her advice. I will miss her



  12. Fred Hussey on September 30, 2017 at 12:37 am

    Many memories from our young Junior High years through our
    maturing years in Lawrenceville high school . A very talented person and dear friend.



  13. Fred Hussey on September 30, 2017 at 12:40 am

    Many memories from our young Junior High years and through our maturing years in Lawrenceville High School;. A very talented person and friend.



  14. Fred Hussey on September 30, 2017 at 12:42 am

    Many memories from Junior High through our maturing years in Lawrenceville High School;. A very talented person and friend.



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