Mary Lou MacLeod, 1948–2026, lifelong Waltham resident

Mary Lou (Beck) MacLeod passed away peacefully at her home on May 7, 2026. She was 77.

Born in Waltham on July 15, 1948, Mary Lou was the beloved daughter of the late Arthur J. Beck and Shirley M. (Harrington) Beck and the eldest of eight children. She was always there for her siblings, both while growing up and throughout her adult life, and the strength of those bonds was evident in how remarkably close the entire family remained.

A graduate of Waltham High School, she married the love of her life, Bruce A. MacLeod, on Oct. 27, 1968 at Saint Mary’s Church in Waltham. Together they shared fifty wonderful years, raising their family in Waltham, enjoying time in Harrisville, New Hampshire, and later Zephyrhills, Florida until Bruce’s passing in 2018.

Mary Lou was a wonderful wife, a great mother and the best grandmother; her favorite pastime was whenever everyone got together. She loved to play cards, bingo and LCR, she also had a knack for crocheting and delighted in sharing her hand-crafted creations with family and friends.

Mary Lou was definitely a hugger! A truly special, kind, beautiful soul who would do anything for you. One of those rare people where nobody had a bad word to say about her. That’s because she found and brought out the best in people with her grace and kindness. With a gift for making everyone feel welcome, she could (and would!) talk to anyone; strangers were just friends she hadn’t met yet, but after ten minutes of talking with Mary Lou, they’d often find themselves sharing their life story. Her magnetic, vibrant personality made every gathering a fun time, filled with laughter. Above all, Mary Lou was all about family and love. She supported her entire family in countless ways and loved making people happy, especially her grandchildren whom she cherished.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Bruce in 2018. In addition to her husband, she was also predeceased by her parents Arthur and Shirly, sister Gail Frizzell and brother in law Douglas Frizzell, and her in-laws Lewis and Lela MacLeod.

Mary Lou is survived by her daughters, Kelly A. Sabatino and her husband Wayne, and Sheila J. Sabatino and her husband Richard; her grandchildren Alexa, Erika and Jordan; her siblings Karen LaFountain (late David), Deborah McNulty, Barbara Sarazen and her husband Donald, Robyn LaFrancis, Arthur J. Beck Jr. (late Deborah) and Joan Battcock and her husband Garry; her sister-in-law Cheri Wade (late John); and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Mary Lou’s life by gathering to visit in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Saturday May 16 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by her funeral service at 11 a.m.