A descendant of the Mayflower’s Stephen Hopkins, Muriel A. Roby died peacefully in Burlington on May 12, 2024 with family by her side. She had spent a lifetime of summer vacations in her family cottage on Duck Creek in Wellfleet. She was 87.
The daughter of the late Norman and Margaret “Lillian” (Gates) Scott, she was born in Melrose on Aug. 18, 1936 and graduated from Melrose High School and the Katharine Gibbs School, after which she worked as a typographer and graphic designer for small businesses.
Her nickname, “Lovey,” was given to her by her father because of her affectionate nature. Everyone was a friend in Lovey’s eyes, even if met only once in passing. She made everyone feel like family.
Lovey’s love story with her husband, Dick, began at the National Radio Company in Malden. Their first date blossomed into an all-night conversation in her parents’ breakfast nook, complete with a declaration of love written in Cheerios. Their deep connection defined their 64 years together.
Lovey’s zest for life was inexhaustible. She enjoyed entertaining and was a great cook who rarely used a recipe. Her guilty pleasures, such as Hallmark movies, competitive card games, and “little” Black Russians, were enjoyed most in the company of loved ones.
Her parents built the cottage on Duck Creek in the 1950s, and the place held a special spot in her heart. She celebrated Fourth of July parades and peaceful evenings watching stars from a lounge chair overlooking the creek. She also loved lazy days at Newcomb Hollow or Mayo Beach and floating on a raft in the bay with her sister Bev.
Everyone important to her was invited to Wellfleet to share the pleasures she grew up with. The cottage was filled with laughter. Her family remembers Lovey as a woman who radiated joy.
Lovey is survived by her husband of 64 years, Richard Roby of Burlington; three daughters, D’Arcy Mello of Burlington, Denise Gallagher and husband Dan of Westford, and Deanne Roby and husband Stephen Bassett of Catawba, N.C.; sister Beverly Eastman Warren of Wellfleet; five grandchildren, Nicholas Mello, Samantha Mello, Matthew Gallagher, Jacqueline Gallagher, and Jessica Gallagher; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her sister Joan Berrio Taylor.
A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Wellfleet at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 25. A gathering is also being planned for the Burlington area.
Donations may be made in Lovey’s name to the Wellfleet Historical Society & Museum, or a tree may be planted in her memory through Gifted Tree. Online condolences for the family may be left at the Sullivan Funeral Home.
