Marie Hale Breen

Marie Hale Breen, a vibrant soul who touched the lives of many, gracefully passed on surrounded by her loving family on November 11, 2023. Born on September 8, 1947, in Rockville Centre, New York, Marie's life was a remarkable testament to resilience, love, and a genuine passion for family and friendships.

Marie's journey began in New York, where she spent her formative years before moving to Westfield, New Jersey. Her adoring older brother, Thomas Boxley, was not just a sibling but also her protector and confidant, creating a bond that would last a lifetime.

After graduating from high school, Marie’s independent spirit showed: she got an apartment and rode a motorcycle around town, working and going to correspondence school. Later in life, she cultivated her spirit for entrepreneurship by opening a plant and gift store, and established a fitness company where she taught aerobics and step classes for many years.

In the seventies, Marie met and married the love of her life, Martin R. Breen. Together, they welcomed two children, Matthew and Dana, just over a year apart. The family established roots in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, where Marie not only nurtured her family but also contributed to the local community. She spent many years working for St. John Neumann church, her aerobics business, and was fully present in her children’s activities and lives.

In 2000, Marie and her family relocated to Fairfax, VA, where she wasted no time making an impact. Known for her sociable nature, Marie founded multiple thriving clubs in her neighborhood, including Movie Mavens, the Lunch Bunch, and a book club that met regularly for decades. Her ability to create connections and foster a sense of community was truly remarkable.

Throughout her life, Marie loved spending time at the beach and returned several times a year with family and friends. In doing so she fostered powerful bonds between her children and their families, as well as repeatedly bringing together groups of friends from the different eras of her life to enjoy her favorite place together.

The passing of her beloved husband, Martin, in 2007 was undoubtedly a challenging chapter in Marie's life. Yet, she faced it with strength, surrounded by a network of copious friends both in New Jersey and Virginia.

Marie is survived by her cherished brother Thomas (Jeanne, Jerry, Dave, and Doug) and Judith Boxley of Glen Rock, NJ. Her legacy lives on through her children: son Matthew (Elliot, Calvin) and Emily Breen of Leesburg, VA; daughter Dana Breen of Asheville, NC; stepsons Martin (Scott, Maggie, and Daniel) and Laura Breen of Jacksonville, FL; and Mike (Kinsley and Carter) and Kristie Breen of Cincinnati, OH.

Marie will be remembered for her zest for life, her nurturing spirit, and the profound impact she had on the communities she touched. As we bid her farewell, we honor the richness of her journey and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Services for Marie will be held on Saturday, Nov 18 at Demaine Funeral Home in Fairfax City. Family will begin receiving guests at 2pm, with a service in the chapel at 3pm. There will be a memorial gathering immediately following at the Farr House in Old Town Fairfax.