Marie M. MacFadgen, 89, of Dracut, MA, formerly of Hudson, NH, passed away Wednesday morning, December 28, 2022, at Palm Center in Chelmsford, after a period of declining health.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts on July 15, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Norberto and Ethel (Sousa) Ferreira. A graduate of Lowell High School Class of 1952, Marie co-founded and sang with a group known as the ‘G-Clef’s’. She was also a member of St. Anthony’s Church in Lowell, where she regularly sang at masses. A talented artist, Marie enjoyed painting and sketching, even studying art at Lowell Tech.
Married to her high school sweetheart Warren L. MacFadgen, Jr. on March 11, 1955, the couple lived in the Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts most of their lives. Before her marriage, Marie ventured out as a career woman, working at John Hancock Insurance Company in Boston and as a civil service employee at Watertown Arsenal. Early in her marriage, Marie and her husband briefly resided in Oakland, CA, where she worked as a Federal employee at the Presidio in San Francisco. Later, she and her family made their home in Chesapeake, Virginia for seven years, where both Marie and Warren worked at Norfolk Naval Ship Yard.
In her later years, Marie loved playing Mrs. Santa Claus at Lowell General Hospital’s annual employee holiday celebration, where she served as a contractor for the Community Relations Department. She was a member of the Hudson Seniors and an avid bingo player. She loved adventure and enjoyed traveling the country every chance she got. In addition, Marie was a dedicated Willie Nelson fan and attended many of his concerts, meeting him in person on several occasions.
Marie was predeceased by her husband Warren, who passed away February 19, 2005 and with whom she shared nearly 50 years together.
Members of her family include her four children, Amanda MacFadgen of Nashua, Bonnie Charette and her husband Robert of Hudson, Stuart MacFadgen and his wife Sheryl of Tyngsborough, MA, and Lynne Conti and her husband David of Dracut, MA. Her many beloved grandchildren include Debhinn Watts, Jason Charette, Heather Estremera, Esq., Eric Conti, Brianna Conti, Lindsay MacFadgen, Samuel MacFadgen, Charles MacFadgen, Sara MacFadgen, Michael Ferreira and Mark Ferreira. In addition, she lovingly doted on her adorable great-grandchildren, including Ella Charette, Carlee Charette, London Charette, Wyatt Charette, Lucas Aquaro, Soleil Estremera, Lennox Watts and Noah Ferreira. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as two sisters, Theresa Collinge, of Pelham, NH and Elaine Coconis, of Chelmsford, MA and her cousin Frances Gonsalves of San Diego, CA. Marie was predeceased by six siblings, Ethel, Hilda, Julie, Deolinda, Norbert and David, as well as cousins George Mello of Lowell, and Mary Drummond and John Goveia of southern California.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday, January 4th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by her funeral service at Noon. Interment will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Family and friends are invited to attend. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com
