Marie E. Drew

Marie Ellen Moulaison O’Brien Drew passed away at age 95 on April 19, 2026. Born in Melrose, Massachusetts on April 4, 1931, she was the oldest of six children of Hilaire and Ellen Forbes Moulaison. She was predeceased by her brother Donald and is survived by her brother David and her sisters June, Cheryl, and Noreen.

Marie was the devoted mother of Kevin, Keith, Kerry, and Kelly, as well as her stepchildren, John and Joan. She was a proud grandmother to 17 and great-grandmother to 15.

A graduate of Melrose High School, Marie’s first job was as an assistant in a photography studio. Working outside the home would remain a constant throughout her life. While raising her four children, she worked “mother’s hours” as a bookkeeper. Marie deeply valued education, ensuring her children attended private high school and graduated college. She also pursued her own learning, taking courses at community college whenever time allowed.

After her first marriage ended, she found lasting happiness with her second husband, John Drew. Drawn to a warmer climate, they moved to Sarasota, Florida. There, they built a vibrant social life filled with dear friends and a busy calendar. They loved to dance, and Marie especially enjoyed entertaining; cooking and hosting lavish dinner parties that always included gathering around the piano as Marie played and sang their favorite tunes. She was always very stylish, “dressed to the nines” and a self-proclaimed “party girl.”

Marie was committed to health and fitness. An avid daily power-walker, completing five miles in under an hour and continuing her brisk walks well into her 90s. Her strength and determination were remarkable, though small in stature she was mighty!

Later in life, Marie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Even so, she maintained her indomitable spirit and continued to bring happiness to others, playing the piano for residents at Mary Ann Morse until the very end.

Marie will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family. She shared a special bond with each of her 17 grandchildren, never missing a graduation, wedding, or Grandparents’ Day. She maintained a remarkable correspondence, keeping in touch with her vast network of friends and family through countless cards and gifts sent for every holiday, birthday, and special occasion. She modeled for her grandchildren gracious gratitude and the importance of a hand-written thank-you note.

Marie’s loving and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed. She was truly one-of-a-kind!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Church of the Most Precious Blood, Centre St, Dover on Saturday, June 20th at 10am. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery in Dover.

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