Ballou, Marilyn Louise "Mal" (July 5, 1935 - April 4, 2017), of Lexington, passed peacefully after a long illness, surrounded by family. Marilyn was the youngest of Leo and Margaret Ballou's eight children. She leaves her brothers and sisters-in-law Joseph and Marguerite of Bethlehem, CT; Frank and Dolores of Nashua, NH; Leo and Ruth Nashua, NH; Donald of San Diego, CA; Susie of Stuart, FL; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sisters Helen (Elden/Simmons)and her husband Sydney, Irene (Reardon)her husband Chuck, brother Philip, and sisters-in-law Iola Ballou and Nancy Ballou and John Elden. Marilyn was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Waltham. In 1959, she began her career as a civilian employee of the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany for three years. Upon her return, she worked in several locations until retiring 31 years later from her position at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford. While retired, Mal enjoyed trips to Nova Scotia with her cousin Pat Bigelow and travel throughout New England. She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time with her extended family. In her final days, she was looked after by her caring niece, Judith Lumbert and the wonderful caregivers at Meadow Green in Waltham and St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton. All family and friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass of celebration of Marilyn's life offered at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted on Trapelo Rd. in Waltham on Tuesday, April 11 at 10 am followed by internment at the Westview Cemetery in Lexington. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to the Air Force Assistance Fund at Hanscom AFB or Friends of the Waltham Public Library to honor Mal's lifelong passions for literature and service.