Marsha L Gillette

On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, Marsha L. Gillette, of Warwick Neck, RI passed away surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living life to it’s fullest. 

Marsha was born on June 26, 1952 in St. Charles, Mo. to Marshall William and Mary Jean (Schneider) Gillette.  Marsha spent her early childhood in Missouri and moved with her parents and five siblings to Newport, RI where she completed high school at St. Catherine Academy.

At an early age, it was recognized that Marsha possessed a remarkable vocal talent which was fostered through years of voice training, that garnered acclaim and led to a scholarship to New England Conservatory, in Boston, MA, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Following graduation, Marsha continued her passion for Music focusing on pursuits in Theatre and Musical production, which brought her to New York City where she worked with and met her future husband, Sean McGuirk.  After further theater pursuits with her husband in Los Angeles, Marsha eventually returned to New England and began a 30 year career at Boston Children’s Hospital in IT, where she retired in 2022.

Marsha had a dynamic spirit and sense of self.  Never a slave to routine or strict rules, she contended that there was always a more unique and entertaining alternative. Rules be damned! Marsha was the commander of her ship, and an inspiration to us all, never believing in the status quo.

Loved and admired by so many, Marsha leaves her devoted husband Sean McGuirk, her mother, Mary Jean (predeceased by father, Marshall) siblings Paula Gillette (daughter, Avery), Mary Gillette (predeceased by brother-in-law John Mecray), Tim Gillette (children Stephen, Victoria, Kathryn, Philip and Cameron) Linda Gillette (husband, John Edick and children Lauren and August) and Teresa Gillette, as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles, great nieces and nephews and notably wonderful, loyal and supportive Winnie, who stayed by her side til the end. 

A private graveside service will be held Friday, June 2, 2023, for immediate family.  A celebration of life is scheduled in June 2023, date and time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marsha, may be made to Women & Infants Program in Women’s Oncology or The Rhode Island Blood Center.

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