Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
BUZZARD'S BAY, MA - Marylyn J. (Bannon) Ianiri, 81, of Buzzard’s Bay, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Marylyn was born and raised a 5th generation citizen of Auburn, NY where she graduated with the Mount Carmel Class of 1963 and attended Auburn Community College and Nazareth College. A lifelong learner with a deep and abiding faith, she eventually earned her Doctorate from the Ministry Program at Roberts Wesleyan University, an accomplishment that reflected her commitment to spiritual growth and service.
During her years in New York, she continuously supported and served church communities in Auburn and Sodus Point as sacristan, lector, Eucharistic minister and in a variety of other ways, remaining a generous private and often unknown benefactor to charities and individuals in need.
She excelled in organizational, administrative and creative roles and was valued for her skills and work ethic by a number of area small businesses and professional practices, including her own small business Sirach Advantage in Auburn. She was a proud participant in the Leadership Cayuga Class of 2000.
Throughout her life, Marylyn found joy in travel, especially her many trips to Cape Cod, which became her favorite destination. After retiring, she fulfilled her dream of moving there permanently. She became an active and cherished member of the Buzzard’s Bay, Wareham and Onset Beach communities, where she formed lasting friendships and continued to give generously of her time. She volunteered at Attic Treasures shop and St Margaret of Scotland’s Catholic parish, offering her warmth, kindness and steady presence to all who knew her.
Artistic by nature, Marylyn embraced an active and peaceful lifestyle focused on the beauty of the moment and the people around her. She practiced Tai Chi, was accomplished at needlepoint and other textile arts, was a passionate Yankees fan, and took great pleasure in her daily walks to Onset Beach, finding comfort and inspiration in the natural beauty of the shore.
She is survived by her loving daughter Jennifer (Ianiri) Smith and husband Cameron; her son Paul (Chip) Ianiri and wife Marti; her beloved grandchildren, Alayna, Landon and Morgan; her sisters Michele Clancy and husband Kevin, and Marcie Bannon and husband Bob Blaisdell; and extended family, neighbors and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
Marylyn was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles “Chuck” Boyland; devoted husband Robert Spencer Anderson; her son, Christopher Ianiri; her parents, George and Margaret “Peg” Barry Bannon; her sister Maureen O’Hora and husband Mike; and her cherished cat of 18 years, Callie.
Marylyn will be remembered for her faith, compassion, love of community, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. Her legacy of cheerful kindness and devotion will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Services will be offered in Massachusetts on Thursday, April 9 at 12:30 p.m. at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rte 28), Wareham MA 02571.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in New York on Friday, May 1 at 12 p.m. at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 15 Clark Street, Auburn, followed by Rite of Committal in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 6020 Lake Avenue, Auburn.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Doctors Without Borders (doctorswithoutborders.com) or to the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry, 90 Melrose Road, Auburn N.Y. 13021.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marylyn J. (Bannon) Ianiri, please visit our floral store.