Marlene Florence Junkala

 Marlene "Molly" Junkala (1935 - 2025)

Marlene “Molly” Junkala, 89, a beloved resident of Framingham and Leominster, passed away on April 16, 2025, due to complications from Dementia. She was lovingly surrounded by her family, and Nancy her friend and Aid during her final moments.

Born to the late Bill and Florence (Scarpa) Mahan in Clinton, Massachusetts, Molly was a devoted mother, grandmother, and a respected professional. She was predeceased by her husband, John Junkala, who originally hailed from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and passed away in 2012.

Molly attended Fitchburg State Teachers College, where she first met her husband, John. She dedicated her life to nurturing others, contributing as a mother to three children, and serving in her professional roles as a teacher and Licensed Practical Nurse at Marlboro Hospital until her retirement.

Molly is survived by her daughters, Jill Junkala of Leominster, Massachusetts, and Julia Junkala of Ayer, Massachusetts, along with her son, Jack Junkala, and daughter-in-law, Bridget, of Golden, Colorado. She cherished her time with her granddaughter, Elena Junkala, who held her hand throughout the night before she passed.

Molly’s only sibling, Lt. Col. Michael Mahan of Salinas, California (Wife Dorothy of Clinton), a respected soldier and coach of Army Rugby at West Point, also predeceased her in May of the previous year.

An avid gardener and an enthusiastic reader, Molly found joy in books, magazines, and newspapers, often enjoying these activities in the company of her caregiver and friend, Nancy Williams. Her love for animals was evident in her affection for her dogs, Jake and Sam, as well as kitties.

During the 1970s, Molly and John lived in Germany for two years while John worked as a consultant with the Department of the Army. This period included memorable family outings for “castle hunting” throughout Europe, despite Molly initially feeling homesick in a time before the internet and video calls. She eventually became an aide at an Army preschool and advanced to manage the base kindergarten.

Upon returning to the United States, Molly pursued further education at Keefe Technical College, graduating as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and proceeded to attain her Registered Nurse certification.

Family vacations to Cape Cod were a treasured tradition for Molly, John, and their children, filled with summer memories of having as many relatives come as possible,  and beach combing in the early mornings in bathrobes for sea shells and treasures.

In accordance with her wishes, Molly will be cremated. A graveside service will take place at 11am on June 3, 2025, at St. John's Cemetery in Lancaster.