Marilyn G. Knox

Marilyn G. (Mack) Knox, 89, passed away on March 12, 2026, at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Westborough. Born in Worcester to the late Harold J. and Louise M. (Elliott) Mack, she graduated from Commerce High School in 1954 and later attended cosmetology school in Schenectady, New York. She lived in several places across the Northeast before settling in Oxford in 1989, where she became deeply rooted in her church and community.

Affectionately known as “Buzzie,” Marilyn brought beauty and warmth into the lives of others through her work as a professional cosmetologist, cake decorator, and florist. Her hands were rarely still; she loved to knit, garden, and create, generously sharing her talents with family and those in need. Family members treasured the sweaters and blankets she made, while many others were warmed by the prayer shawls, hats, and mittens she knitted for them.

Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life. A devoted member of Oxford United Methodist Church, she served on the Hospitality Committee, Women’s Group, Worcester Fellowship, and Worship Committee, and for thirty years she lovingly designed the altar flowers. In recent years she attended Lakeville United Church of Christ, where she continued creating altar arrangements. She was also an active member of the knitting club at the Council on Aging in Middleboro and received a Presidential award for five hundred hours of knitting clothing for the needy. Marilyn played an instrumental role in the development of Worcester Fellowship, a street-based faith community that provides meals and spiritual support to those who are struggling.

Marilyn approached life with joy, humor, and a sense of adventure. In her sixties she could be found skateboarding with her grandchildren, and well into her seventies and eighties she enjoyed ziplining, parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkeling. She loved silly television shows and lighthearted movies, and her laughter, curiosity, and willingness to try new things inspired everyone around her. Above all, she cherished her family and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of fifty-seven years, Robert R. Knox Sr., in 2014, and by her brothers John E. Mack and James H. Mack, and her sister Joyce L. Sharpless. She is survived by her children, Cynthia L. Bradstreet and her husband Chris of Griffin, Georgia, and Robert R. Knox Jr. and his wife Tambre of Hudson, Massachusetts; her grandchildren Gregory Bradstreet and his wife Pamela Garant, Nathaniel Bradstreet and his wife Katerina, Kyle Bradstreet and his wife Krista, and Kelson Knox; her great-granddaughters Kennedy Rose and Karina Grace Bradstreet; her very special friend Gail Babineau of Charlton; and many loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Marilyn carried her love for God, her family, and her friends wherever she went. She believed that small acts of kindness could change the world, and she lived that belief every day through warm meals, hand-knit gifts, open doors, and a welcoming smile. Her hands created beauty, her heart embraced others, and her faith guided her path. She will be remembered for the way she made people feel: loved, welcomed, and valued.