Marie Grace Donnelly

Marie Grace (Provenzano) Donnelly, 67, of Pembroke passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 1, 2021, from complications of COVID-19. Marie was born on April 19, 1953 in Boston, MA, the eldest child of the late Vincent James Provenzano and Virginia Rose (Zechello) Provenzano. Marie is survived by her husband, David Donnelly, her daughter Jill Donnelly, her son Anthony Donnelly, her daughter-in-law Meagan (Shannon) Donnelly, and her granddaughter, Ada Grace Donnelly. She was the beloved sister of Vincent James Provenzano Jr, Patricia Walsh, Nicholas Provenzano, and Michael Provenzano. Marie is also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. 

After graduating from South Boston High School in 1971, Marie attended dental hygienist school before she began working at NYNEX, where she met her husband of 43 years, David. Married on October 1, 1977, Marie and David shared their first home in Weymouth before moving their family to Pembroke in 1989.

In Pembroke, Marie dedicated herself to the support and care of her family. As her family established roots in Pembroke, Marie’s infectious laugh, willingness to help anyone, and propensity for good trouble, made their mark. Her escapades around town were made possible through her unrivaled friendship with Noel (Dymond) Cross. Where Noel was, you often found Marie, and no other duo could match their laughter, notoriety, or joy. 

Marie loved her family, time spent with kids, the beach, and Christmas. All December, Marie watched holiday movies, read Christmas themed novels, and shop for gifts. Her house had multiple trees decorated and she baked cookies non-stop for family and friends. Marie also eagerly offered to wrap presents for anyone who needed an extra set of hands.

In the Summer, Marie loved spending time at the beach, especially at White Horse Beach in Plymouth, where she could talk and laugh with her husband, siblings, and nieces and nephews, while getting some sun and dipping her toes in the water. 

Marie was a magnet for kids of all ages and she always found a way to make every child feel welcomed. Marie used this gift at her work at Silver Lake Regional School District and Pre-School Playmates where she worked as an aide for many years. 

In the years since her retirement, Marie (also known as “D”) spent as much time as she could with the Hannon girls. Lily, Stella, Poppy, and Maisy were most excited for their 1:1 days with D, which meant no rules, as much M&Ms and Oreos as you could eat, and kid-dictated outings. The girls cherished the attention and love they received from D, and she had a seemingly endless amount to give. She shined the brightest in their presence.

Marie gave her most as a mother and wife, always prioritizing her family’s needs. David was her rock. She leaves him with memories and laughter to last another lifetime. Her children didn’t go a day without knowing her unconditional love. They had years of Marie cooking whatever they wanted for dinner, simply because it made her happy to provide for them. Today, both Jill and Anthony think of their Mom every time they’re in the kitchen, whether it’s making a batch of the family sauce and meatballs or whipping up a loaf or two of her amazing pumpkin bread. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

For the safety and health of our family and friends, all services are private. If you would like to share memories and stories about Marie, please email us at [email protected]. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of The Council on Aging in Pembroke, where prior to COVID-19 restrictions, Marie took yoga and Zumba classes with her friends.