Marie Louise (McDonald) Lawrence, 79, of Burlington, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Saturday, August 29, with her family by her side.

Marie was born in Boston, the only daughter of the late John J. McDonald, Jr. and Gertrude U. (Sweet) McDonald. She was raised and educated locally, graduating from Winchester High School and the Addison Gilbert Hospital School of Nursing. She later returned to university at Emmanuel College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree while continuing her nursing career.

Marie met the love of her life, Peter Doane Lawrence, through her older brother's mutual friend. Although they knew each other, it was Peter’s friendship with Marie’s parents (known as Jack and Trudy) that brought them closer together. Peter would frequently visit Jack and Trudy, giving him more opportunities to see Marie.

On one particular visit, Peter came with the intent of asking Marie on a date. When Trudy suggested that Marie show Peter her new blue Ford Galaxy 500 convertible, it gave him the perfect opportunity to ask her out on their first date. They were married in 1971 and went on to share a wonderful and rich life together for 55 years.

Marie’s strong Catholic faith began at an early age. As a child, she attended church every Sunday and was educated in Catholic schools. She was baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. She frequently partook of the Holy Eucharist and received God’s forgiveness through her priest. She proudly served with Immaculate Conception’s Queen’s Cadettes as a member of the drill team.

Even when Marie became too weak to attend Mass, she had priests come visit her in her home. The grace and mercy of Christ sustained her through many trials of life. Marie sought to reflect the compassion of her Savior in her treatment of other people.

That same spirit of compassion became a defining part of Marie’s nursing career. She began her nursing career at Winchester Hospital before moving with Peter to Long Island, where she worked at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, NY. After returning to Massachusetts, Marie returned to Winchester Hospital, where she spent the next 20 years working in a variety of departments, with pediatrics being her favorite.

During her nursing career, Marie took a leave of absence to care for her mother during her final months. After returning to work, she joined Massachusetts Eye and Ear, where she worked in the Glaucoma Clinic until her retirement. Even after retiring from nursing, Marie continued to put her caring and selfless nature to work as the primary caregiver for her father for many years until his passing.

In addition to her professional career, Marie shared a full and adventurous life with Peter. Through Peter’s career as an aviation mechanic, they were fortunate to travel often. Some of her favorite destinations included Hawaii, Anguilla, Mexico, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, and Iceland. Closer to home, they loved exploring the local area, especially around Gloucester, aboard their sailboats—the Ballymaloe and Escapade.

At home, Marie enjoyed spending time with her many beloved cats, sitting outside on her deck overlooking their magnificent garden, and watching the many birds which were frequent visitors. . She loved watching movies and, even more so, sports. She proudly cheered for her beloved New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. In fact, it became something of a family rule that you simply did not call Marie during a Patriots game.

Marie was a lifelong music and theatre lover who enjoyed attending concerts and plays . You could not enter her home and not hear her favorite tunes and artist playing. Music was her joy and passion. She loved gathering with friends over a meal, whether dining out, cooking, or entertaining at their welcoming home. She was known for her wonderful sense of humor, fun spirit, kindness, and generosity. She took great pleasure in finding the perfect gift for Peter, her nieces and nephews, and her extended family, always finding a way to spoil the people she loved.

Above all, Marie cherished her family. To her nieces and nephews, she was affectionately known as “Auntie Ree,” a name that reflected the special place she held in their hearts.

Marie is survived by her loving husband, Peter Doane Lawrence of Burlington; her two brothers, James F. McDonald and his wife Sheila of North Reading and John J. McDonald III and his wife Joan of Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada; her beloved nieces and nephews, James F. McDonald, Jr. and his wife Maura, Kimberly A. Reilly and her husband Sean, Andrew K. McDonald and his wife Rachael, and Gillian U. McDonald and her husband Justin Lee; adoring great nieces and nephews Ian McDonald, Dillon Reilly, Kyle McDonald, Brendan Reilly, Madeline Reilly, Paul (Pasha) McDonald, and Jack McDonald. As well as many extended family members and close friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her visiting hours on Friday, September 4 from 10am to 11:30am at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St. Burlington, MA. Her Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Veronica’s Parish, in Saint Margaret's Church, 111 Winn St. Burlington, at 12 noon. Burial will be private and at the convenience of her family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Beth Israel Lahey Health at Home at www.Bilhathome.org/giving. Arrangements are by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington www.sullivanfuneralhome.net