Marie passed away unexpectedly but peacefully surrounded by her children who held her as she took her final breaths.

She was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Corinne Hamel and Arthur Berube.

Marie attended Notre Dame de Pity School in Cambridge. Shortly after graduating high school, she became an Army wife and moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She later moved back to Cambridge, where she lived until meeting her second husband, John "Jack" Brown on a blind date. They married in 1985, officiated by her nephew Reverend Richard Hughes and then moved to Abington, MA where she lived until last summer.

Upon her return to Cambridge, Marie worked at the Necco Candy Factory and later as a Banking Assistant. She then joined the Cambridge School Department as a Librarian Assistant before working her way up to Executive Assistant to the superintendent for Cambridge Public Schools, a role she held until her retirement in 1997.

She is predeceased by both her parents, her sister Germaine V. Hughes, and her brother Donald Berube (just two months ago). She is survived by her daughter Lisa M. Ring (Novak) and son John S. Novak, son-in-law John "Roddy" Ring and daughter-in-law Denise Novak, and four beloved grandchildren: Ian R. Ring, John "Lyle" C. Ring, Emily C. Novak and Sophia C. Novak. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.

Throughout her life Marie touched many hearts. Everyone who knew her loved her as she was kind and generous to everyone she met. Comments we have heard throughout her life are "We love your mother", and "She is so sweet" to name a few. Although she was small (barely 5 ft tall), she was a force to be reckoned with when the situation required it. She was a ray of sunshine and ball of energy, one of the sassiest and headstrong people you would be lucky to meet.

She spent many years dedicated to volunteering, including at Brockton Hospital and the Abington Council of Aging where she served as a board member for many years. She treasured daily phone calls with her friends and daughter Lisa whom she entertained on her daily commute. She loved her visits from her son John and his daughters who always brought hand picked flowers and her special Dunkins iced coffee order– an iced mocha with a splash of milk, one splenda, and whipped cream on top. If she wasn't home you could find her at the Council of Aging, Walmart, or Trucchis buying blueberry muffins and chocolate chip cookies for her visitors. She loved watching 90 Day Fiance with her long time bestie Terri.

Last summer, she moved to Tewksbury, MA to be closer to family. Though initially not happy to leave her home and dear friends in Abington, she–as always–embraced her new life. This move also allowed her to spend additional precious time with her brother Donald who was very ill.

Marie leaves behind a legacy of generosity and kindness, of which her children, grandchildren, and all those she has touched will continue to carry forward.

Sadly as we mourn her death, we are also taking the time to celebrate what would have been her 83rd birthday on May 12th.

The family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to the incredible ICU staff at Lowell General Hospital for their compassion, expertise, and care in Marie's final days.

A visitation will be held at Quealy & Son Funeral Home 116 Adams Street Abington on Monday May 12, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Followed by a funeral home service at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Abington Senior Center 441 Summer Street Abington, MA 02351