Marie McCart Donahue, 83, surrounded by her loving family, passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness on Sunday, February 23, 2020.

Marie was born in Boston on September 3, 1936 to James and Sarah (Ledford) McCart. After moving to Worcester at age 5, Marie attended Freeland Street School, St. Peter’s Elementary and graduated from St. Peter’s High School. After high school she worked various jobs including the Telephone Company and Hahnemann Hospital switchboard.

On April 19, 1956 Marie married the love of her life James C. Donahue. Rie, as she was affectionately known, and Jimmy lived for most of their nearly 64 married years in Worcester. In addition to her husband, Rie is survived by her six children: daughters Theresa “Terry” McGrail, and her husband Jack, Molly Donahue, Kelly Brissette, and her husband John, all of Worcester. Sharyn Gage, and her husband James of Holden. Sons James, and his wife JoAnne, and Kevin, and his wife Deirdre, all of Auburn.

Rie is survived by eighteen adored grandchildren. Allie, Taylor, Bridget and Molly McGrail. John and David Brissette. Sarah Kurtz and her husband Andrew, Emily and Olivia Gage, Hannah Bodanza and her husband Michael. James, Anthony and his wife Amanda, and Joseph Donahue, Keri Zautner and her husband Iain. Joe and his wife Ali, Matthew, Colleen and Brian Donahue. Rie cherished her six great-grandchildren: Desmond and Marcelina Donahue, Milo Zautner, Ryker, Caden, and Abel Kurtz. She is also survived by her sister Susan Miller of Worcester. Sisters-in-law: Marion Compe, Kathryn Camp, Barbara Donahue, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rie was predeceased by her brothers William and his wife Patricia, James and Paul McCart and sisters Virginia “Ginna” McCart and Janice Handlin.

While Rie and Jimmy were busy raising their children, Rie became a cosmetologist and worked at area salons including Al’s Golden Chateau. She eventually went back to school to become certified to teach Cosmetology and worked for 25 years at David Hale Fanning Trade and Worcester Voke. Rie retired as Department Head of the Cosmetology Department. Rie loved teaching and had many fond memories of chaperoning proms, trade shows, and most especially of her students and coworkers.

Rie took pleasure in traveling with Jimmy to Hawaii, Florida, Maine, Europe, trips with the Greendale Men’s Club and especially visiting Ireland. Rie loved all things Irish and the sound of Irish music or Irish step dancing could always bring a smile to her face. Rie enjoyed spending vacations at Hampton Beach and if lobster was on the menu, she was happy. Rie loved the simple joys of life like being with her husband Jimmy and visiting with her large family.

In her day, Rie enjoyed sewing, making everything from prom dresses to pocket books. Rie was a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Worcester Vocational School’s Cosmetology Advisory Board and as a lifelong Democrat volunteered in many local campaigns.

Rie was a founding member of “Club” a group of her childhood friends who met “through hell or high water” each Thursday night. Even though the group grew smaller with each member’s passing, laughter was always the main ingredient. Her last official club visit was this past Saturday with her dear friends Claire Perry and Ellie Clifford. Rie will always be remembered and dearly missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate her life at visiting hours on Sunday, March 1st from 3:00pm until 6:00pm at the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Monday, March 2nd at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main St., Worcester. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Our Lady of the Angels Maintenance Fund, 1222 Main St., Worcester, MA 01603.