Barbara A. Marvel

DRACUT - Barbara A. (Kiggins) (Asselin) Marvel, age 95, a longtime resident of Dracut died Monday, January 15, 2024 at Fairhaven Healthcare Center in Lowell.  She was the beloved wife of the late Milton J. Asselin and Fred Marvel.  

She was born in Lowell on January 23, 1928, and was a daughter of the late Stephen and Ann (Carver) Kiggins.  She received her education in Lowell schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School.  

Prior to her retirement, Barbara was employed for 10 years as a lead operator at Millipore in Bedford.  

She was a talented seamstress and would often make bibs, eye glass cases and face masks to give away to family and friends.  She also enjoyed baking and hosting holiday parties.  Her greatest joy however was spending time in the company of her loving family, especially her adoring grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Barbara was also a very giving woman and faithfully donated to St. Jude Children’s Research for 50 years.  

Barbara was a devout Catholic and an active parishioner of St. Francis Church in Dracut, where she served as an altar server, lector and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and often brought Communion to the sick and homebound.  She also volunteered her time on the church’s prayer line and was involved with the St. Francis musicals and was a member the the church’s Women’s Group and Widow’s Group.  She was affectionately known by other parishioners as the “Angel Lady”.  

She is survived by four sons, David Asselin and his wife Marilyn of Pelham, NH, Gary Asselin and his wife Laurel of The Villages, FL, Robert Asselin of Wareham and Kevin Asselin of Lowell; three daughters, Sharon Kalinowski and her husband Joseph, Jr. and Doreen Asselin, all of Daytona Beach, FL and Diane Machado of Dracut and with whom she resided; nine grandchildren, Joseph Kalinowski, III, Lisa Kalinowski, Michelle Williams, Matthew Asselin, David Ayotte, Robert Ayotte, Gary Asselin, Jr., Zachary Machado and Kimberly Messervy; five great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  

She preceded in death by six brothers and sisters.  

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Barbara’s Life Celebration at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 115 Wheeler Rd, Dracut on Thursday from 4:00pm until 7:00pm.  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the church on Friday at 10:00am.  Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to the St. Francis Church Building Fund.