Lebanon, N.H. —
In September of 1957, she and Ray were married. Once the children were all in school, Maree began working as a Library Associate in the Lebanon School District. She worked from 1973 to 1999, when she retired.
Maree and Ray celebrated their sixtieth Wedding Anniversary in September of 2017. Maree and Ray had a partnership that flowed and saw them through many different seasons, trials, and celebrations. They made a warm and wonderful home for their family and friends over the years. She and Ray danced, played, laughed, moved cross-country three times, played golf, raised four children, and had more adventures than she could have anticipated. A common sight throughout their lives was seeing them walking hand-in-hand.
Maree was a lively, lovely, amazing woman. She played many roles in her life, as daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and librarian. She brought enthusiasm and creativity to all of these roles. As a mother, she was warm, patient, and insightful, and she consistently provided guidance and love that created the foundation from which her children could grow. She was a rock to lean on. As a grandmother, she was devoted to providing her granddaughters with love, support, laughter, and all the popcorn and classic movies they could take in. She loved every opportunity she had to watch them grow, learn, laugh, and participate in life’s adventures, big and small.
Maree was also a loyal and steadfast friend to many. She could be a fierce defender of others, as well as a patient supporter when needed. She had a knack for understanding what other people needed and did not hesitate to provide that support. To have her friendship was a gift.
Maree rarely turned down the opportunity for adventure. She was most fond of her travels to Greece, Italy, France, England, and especially Ireland where her ancestors came from. All those trips only whetted her appetite for more. She took any chance she could to learn new information, travel to different places, and meet new people. She had an open mind, a curiosity for the world around her, a love of literature, and a generous loving heart. She was smart, with a great memory and an active mind.
Maree also loved all things musical—singing, playing the guitar, the piano, the drums, the accordion, or whatever instrument was put in front of her. She brought music into her everyday life and to those around her. Attending the Portland Symphony’s Annual Christmas Concert was not only a tradition but a highlight she looked forward to every year. She had a large repertoire of folk songs and enjoyed singing them. Enthusiasm and appreciation for other people’s musical talents was a hallmark of her personality.
Maree had a way of making everyone feel welcome and appreciated. She had a gift for gab and was always up for coffee together, lunches with friends, and family reunions, big or small. Maree was at her best when she was out and about with friends and family, listening to and telling stories, and loving the give-and-take of being with those she cared about.
Maree was an active volunteer at the Lebanon Senior Center and the Alice Peck Day Hospital for many years. She was also a member of the APD Auxiliary, The Lebanon Woman’s Club, The International Woman’s Club and the Lebanon Historical Society. She was a Communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon and prior to that, St. Anthony’s in White River Junction.
She was predeceased by her mother and father; older brothers, Jack and James and a younger sister, Charlene; also, her niece, Kathy Sargent and two nephews who were both named Tom Doherty. She is survived by her husband, Raymond; their four children, Stephen, Linda, Lisa, and Mary Ellen; her two granddaughters, Rachel Lagasse, currently in Japan, and Sarah Lagasse in Seattle; her daughter-in-law, Colleen O’Brien; and her brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Natalie Lagasse and their children, Stanton and Julie. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins and their families, Bob and Karen Doherty, Charlene Jayamanne, Ann Doherty, Jim and Jane Doherty, Helene and Jeff Conrath, Dan and Sandy Doherty, Tom Sargent, Fran Doherty, and Barbara and Steve Loughman.
Maree would want to be remembered with joyful memories. She’d like people to think of the good times they had together, and to keep on telling stories. Her smile could light up a room, and her warmth and wisdom will continue to be felt by her family and friends.
Family and friends are invited to Maree’s memorial calling hours at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon on Friday, May 18, 2018, from 2 p.m.to 4 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 19 at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Good Neighbor Health Clinic, Attn: Development Office, 70 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05001.
An online guest book is available to leave a message of condolence for Maree’s family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.