Marilyn June Banks

Marilyn June (Sinclair) Banks, age 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at her home in Stoughton, Massachusetts surrounded by her loving family. Born in Marlborough, Massachusetts on June 18, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Horace and Mabel (McKissick) Sinclair. Marilyn was raised in Northborough, Massachusetts as the 11th child in a family with 13 children. She attended Algonquin Regional High School, proudly graduating with the class of 1962.

Marilyn was the devoted mother of Lisa Pagan and her husband Sam of Stoughton, Christopher Banks and his partner Amanda Ross of Millbury, and Lori Banks of Providence, Rhode Island. She was the cherished and loving grandmother of Emily Temple and her partner Ronan Gallagher, Holly Coelho and her husband Marcos, Nick Banks, Amanda Banks, Kristina Banks, and Alan Colacchio Jr., and many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Ronald Sinclair, and three sisters, Paula Fiske, Janet Annis, and Phyllis Letendre.

A life-long lover of cats, Marilyn was never without a beloved kitty by her side, most especially her treasured Lucy, to whom she was deeply bonded. Lucy predeceased Marilyn on May 3rd, 2025 after 20 years as her constant and faithful companion as they grew old together.

Upon retirement from a career as an electronic technician, Marilyn lived her life true to herself and unapologetically. She was the proud owner of a brand-new blue PT cruiser which she decorated in NE Patriots merchandise, with a big Pooh Bear buckled in as her shotgun rider. Her grandchildren fondly remember her for her big candy dishes of M&Ms that she never ate, being chased around by Gramma-Monster with her dentures hanging out, and the many things she indoctrinated into them like the love of learning, loud music, movies, books, kitties, Pooh bear, Tweety Bird, and an affinity for swearing, sassiness, and sarcasm.

For the last 13 years, Marilyn and Lucy lived in her own all-purple in-law with Lisa, Sam, and Emily. Ever true to herself, Marilyn painted her walls lilac, filled her home with purple carpets and furniture, and adorned the walls with posters of her favorite things—flowers, cats, and handsome men—including, famously, Burt Reynolds’ 1972 nude centerfold from Cosmopolitan magazine. She passed the time in her big purple chair watching the wild birds, crocheting blankets that she gifted to anyone and everyone that wanted one, tending to her many plants, listening to her favorite music, and watching her favorite TV shows. Burt Reynolds and Kris Kristofferson held a special place in Marilyn's heart, along with a sincere appreciation for handsome men in uniforms (here's looking at you Stoughton Fire). Her love of men in uniform and cowboy hats undoubtedly influenced her favorite TV programs, as she enjoyed countless hours binge-watching Law and Order, SVU, Chicago Fire and PD, Blue Bloods, and Yellowstone (shoutout Rip Wheeler). She loved to sit with her record player and listen to her collection of old music, but learning how to use an ‘Alexa’ and Spotify afforded her the ability to play any song she wanted from the comfort of her chair, where she sang loudly and freely for all to hear. Although she danced from her chair, she always wished she could get up and move like she used to, often requesting “new legs!!!” when asked if she needed anything. She loved oldies music, hymns, and her theme song became Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke, which always got her moving and smiling. Her other great love in life was food. She loved to cook for friends and family- mastering recipes for spaghetti and meat sauce, chicken wings, snicker-doodles, and her famous Christmas Chex Mix (with M&Ms!). However, she would never say no to a McDonald’s cheeseburger and french fries, any hot dog she could get her hands on, Lay’s chips, Jelly-stick donuts (but only with her coffee), or a pepper, onion, and mushroom pizza. At the end of the day.. Or the morning.. Or any time it was offered, she loved to enjoy an ice-cold rum and coke in her vintage Coca-Cola glass.

Following an illness that led to a gradual decline in health, Marilyn kept on fighting “like a stubborn Sinclair” would. She was thankful to be home where she was most at peace. Her family extends their deepest gratitude to her hospice care team and home-health aids that cared for her with compassion. In the end, Marilyn was comforted by the knowledge that she would once again be united with her beloved Lucy, her Mumma, and her siblings whose time came before hers; Sam, “Red”, Betty, ‘Junior’, Bob, Shirley, Madeline, and Nellie. Now on new legs, she is with her Lucy girl and is enjoying a rum and coke with Burt Reynolds and Kris Kristofferson.

A celebration of life will be held on February 7th, 2026 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at La Stalla Osteria & Bar, 559 Washington Street, Stoughton.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to a cat rescue of your choice in honor of Marilyn and Lucy.