Marion F. "McNally" Arena

Marion Arena ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Keefe Funeral Home - Cambridge on Mar. 9, 2026.Marion Francis Arena (McNally), of Cambridge, Massachusetts, was born on January 18, 1937,and passed away peacefully after a long illness at her home in Cambridge on March 3, 2026,surrounded by the love of her daughters. She was 89 years of age.Marion was predeceased by her parents, Ruth (Coughlin) and Gabriel McNally, and her sister,Barbara Souza. She is survived by her sister Jackie Balcom; her daughters, Krystil Benoit andher husband Michael of Saugus, Sharon Clute of Cambridge, Nicole Arena Burton and herhusband Allen of Revere, and Robin Arena and her husband Robert Kenney of Cambridge; andher beloved grandchildren, Karla Clute, Dr. Maegan Kenney, Mikayla Cucinelli and her husbandDavid, Nicholas Benoit and his wife Brianna, Zackari Burton, and Christopher Benoit.A lifelong resident of East Cambridge and a staple of her community, Marion was one of thetoughest women you could ever meet: quick-witted, fiercely independent, and gloriouslyunfiltered. With Marion, there was very little gray area: she either loved you or she didn't, and ifshe did, you were one of the lucky ones. During her daughters' childhood, the Arena home wasfull of sleepovers, laughter, and neighborhood friends who still remember Marion ("Ma") for herhumor, the unforgettable personality she brought to every room, and, of course, her famousItalian meatballs. She was also a deeply giving woman, always ready to open her home, offerhelp, or press a little money into someone's hand if they needed it.She proudly served in the United States Army as a medical technician in the Women's ArmyCorps and later became a familiar presence on the streets of East Cambridge as a Parking ControlOfficer and Supervisor for the City of Cambridge for over 28 years. She could often be heardcheering on her Boston sports teams from her kitchen window at the corner of 3rd and HurleyStreet. She was a devoted Catholic and longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, with aspecial devotion to Saint Anthony and Saint Jude, and had been a faithful member of the SaintJude League since 1999.Marion will be remembered for her strength, her humor, her grit, and the indelible mark she lefton her family and community. She will live on through the stories, laughter, and love shared bythose who knew her.Private services are being held by the family. Marion and her family would like to express theirsincere gratitude to Michelle and Sara Beth of Hospice, and to her longtime friend KennethKornatowski, for their love, care, and steadfast support. In lieu of flowers, donations may bemade in Marion's memory to the National Shrine of St. Jude’s at shrineofstjude.org/donate.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.