Two families are now mourning the loss of their loved ones after both women struck by lightning on an Ipswich, Massachusetts, beach earlier this month have passed away.
Sixty-nine-year-old Marianne Mellnick of Concord, Massachusetts, died Saturday at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her friend, 61-year-old Marguerite "Muggy" Tomany of North Grosvenordale, Connecticut, died Sept. 6, just hours after the lightning strike.
Officials say the two women were leaving Crane Beach that day, walking back towards the parking lot when a microburst hit Ipswich, bringing with it strong winds and dangerous lightning.
Mellnick’s son tells NECN she was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who had an infectious laugh, boundless energy and love of adrenaline. Se worked in tax management until retiring in 2010, when she spent her time volunteering and traveling the world hiking, kayaking, bicycling and skiing.
According to Tomany’s obituary, she was a proud and loving wife, mother and grandmother who lived life to the fullest. In her three years since retiring from her job as a kindergarten teacher, she also spent much of her time traveling and enjoying the outdoors.
Tomany was laid to rest last week. Donations may be made in her memory to The Mary R. Fisher Elementary School - Marguerite Tomany Fund.
A public funeral mass will be held for Mellnick Friday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Church in Bedford, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mellnick's name to a charity of your choice.
