Marylou Ann (Gates) Naylor

Marylou Ann Naylor (Gates) born on Christmas Day, 1945, passed on January 30th 2026 at Leominster Hospital surrounded by family. She is survived by her son, John J Naylor Jr, her brothers (and their spouses), Richard and Priscilla Gates, Randy and Patricia Gates of Leominster, William and Susan Gates, and Timothy Gates of Fitchburg, many cousins, friends and her beloved cats.

Marylou was predeceased by her husband John J. Naylor Sr, former Fitchburg City Councilor, her parents Richard H and Rose M (Lauricella) Gates, and her in-laws, Francis W and Dorothy M (Griffin) Naylor. Marylou was a high school gymnast and member of Turner Hall Gymnastics. Her specialty was on the parallel bars, once performing on the bars while on a moving float down Main Street in Fitchburg’s Fourth of July parade. She graduated from Fitchburg High School class of ‘62’,  and Burbank Hospital School of Nursing class of 1964. She worked as a nurse in Boston and Chicago before returning to Fitchburg where she worked at Burke's Nursing Home, Keystone Nursing Home, and the Highlands. She was the supervising nurse at Fairlawn Nursing Home when it transitioned to Life Care Nursing Home, working there for many years until her retirement.

Marylou had a passion for the NE Patriots, traveling, the ocean and camping with her family at Rye Beach, NH.

Mary’s final wish was to be cremated and her ashes spread in a place she loved.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to; American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org or a charity of choice.

Calling hours are 4 until 6 p.m. on Friday February 7,2026 at the funeral home.

Funeral Mass is Saturday, February 7,2026 @ 12:30p.m. in Our Lady of the Lake Church, 1400 Main St. Leominster, MA all are welcome to attend.