- Date Of Birth: June 17, 1930
- Date Of Death: February 24, 2023
- State: Massachusetts
Marjorie “Marjie” (Sabbag) Haddad, age 92, of Arlington, passed away on February 24, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife for 67 years of the late Alfred J. Haddad. Devoted mother of Bruce Haddad and Ronald “Ron” Haddad of Arlington, Steven Haddad and his wife Martha of Carlisle, Cynthia and her husband Mark Haddad of Belmont, and the late Philip Haddad. Dear grandmother “Taita” of Matthew, Philip, Anthony, Lydia, and Marjorie. She was born and raised in Somerville, MA as the youngest child of the late Rose (Dahood) and Rizkella “Russell” Sabbag and was predeceased by seven siblings; Alice Salhaney (Michael), Linda Abbott (Fred), Albert (Helen), George (Mary), Nicholas (Helen), Arthur Evelyn), James (Barbara). She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Born during the Great Depression as one of the last of the Greatest Generation, she was a graduate of Somerville High School. She worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and soon joined the United States Naval Reserves for 4 years to help serve her country. After raising five children, she later worked at WR Grace & Company in their International Accounts Department until her retirement.
For decades, Marjie was a pioneering parent in the early days for The Arc of Greater Boston, who’s name at the time was The Association for Retarded Children.
She tirelessly advocated for awareness and rights of children with developmental disabilities. You could always find Marjie coordinating a fundraiser, a garage sale, penny sale, or a social event to raise awareness. Always supporting the best of a child’s abilities, she was sure to plan something for the kids; be it chairing dances, dinners and holiday parties, coordinating bowling teams, cheering on at Special Olympics competitions and even creating the first Boy Scout Troop for kids with special needs in Arlington. This was at a time when people with disabilities were often institutionalized or deemed to be “un-educable.” Marjie never accepted that option, and throughout her life, was able to see the success of her efforts all around her.
Her passion was always to help others – but mostly with her cooking of her family’s favorite Syrian foods – knowing exactly who likes what, she was known as the “best cook in all 52 states”. Her family and friends could always find their favorite dish at “Auntie Marjie’s.” Her friendships were truly valued stemming from elementary school, high school, and throughout her life. From her “Club” girlfriends getting out for a night (OFANs) every Tuesday evening, to her more recent dates with the “Ladies who Lunch” she always found time for fun with the girls. Even at age 92 she continued to make new friends wherever she went.
Always with a positive attitude, she was quick to lend an ear, reach out to someone in need, leave you laughing and was sure to share her words of wisdom. Her legacy of always helping others and making a day brighter will live on in those who loved her.
