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Marie “Ma” (O'Driscoll) Johnson, 92 of Franklin, passed away Wednesday March 19, 2025 at her home surrounded by family and the reflection of the love she bestowed on each of them. Marie was born in Boston on January 20, 1933 to the late Gertrude (Ryan) and William Francis O’Driscoll. She was the cherished youngest of her 5 older siblings.
Marie grew up in Roxbury, graduating high school from Saint Joseph’s Academy. After high school she worked as an office clerk in Boston and joined the US Navy, serving honorably in the WAVES. Marie met and fell in love with her husband, Bob while walking along Carson Beach in South Boston. They settled in Hyde Park as their family grew to include 9 children. Marie was a longtime active member of her community in Hyde Park and a summer resident of Wareham.
While raising 9 children she always had room in her heart and her home for friends, neighbors, and family. She thrived on being involved with her own large and extended family and friends. If you weren’t her friend already, she made the effort to get to know you and lasting friendships were made. Marie with her late husband, Bob, were active volunteers at Most Precious Blood Church and School as well as dedicated CYO advisors. After working many years at the former Parkwell Nursing Home, she turned her efforts to caring for elderly neighbors and family members. When her grandchildren began to arrive she enthusiastically took on this cherished new role while continuing to care for an aged Aunt, Uncle, Mother, and a neighbor. She nurtured her unique relationships with each child and grandchild, as well as extended family, her friends and neighbors. As she aged, she found great comfort in her many telephone contacts and nourished by those moments of connection.
Marie loved her home and took great pride in providing comfort for all who visited, including keeping a menagerie of stuffed animals that were also good conversation starters with her great grandchildren. But if you visited her with a pet, your were in a special category. Marie loved her family’s many pets over the years, missing the companionship when it was no longer possible to keep a pet. She lit the room with her smile and hearty laugh as she enjoyed each dog kiss or feisty greeting when friends and family brought their pets to visit.
Marie was predeceased by her husband Robert J.; her parents; her siblings, Gertrude O’Dea, William, John, Frederick, and Ellen; as well as grandson, Richard Johnson Jr; and son-in-law William Briggs.
Marie is survived by her 9 children; Robert (Kerin McLoughlin) of Methuen, Marie Giunta (Guy) of Sanbornton, NH, Gertrude Dellorco (Robert) of Franklin, Laura Briggs of Plymouth, Francis (Sheilah) of Franklin, David of Hyde Park, Diane Johnson-Landolphi (Mark) of Franklin, Richard (Mary) of Foxboro, and Thomas (Anne Marie). She is survived by 21 grandchildren; Guy, Marie, Kathryn, Hannah, Connor, Dan, Patrick, Kelly, Liam, Michaela, Alexander, Laura, Robert, Taylor, Rebecca, Emily, Matthew, Kyle, Caroline, Dylan, and Sydney; and 8 great children; Mila, Evie, Thea, Rory, Penelope, Bill, Colin, and Jackson. Marie loved and appreciated her many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
The family would like to thank Kathy Martinetti, for her devotion to Marie. Kathy was a dear companion for Marie and naturally became a friend.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Wednesday March 26th, at 9AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Franklin at 10AM.
Burial will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
Calling hours are Tuesday March 25th, from 4-8PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Faith & Family Hospice Foundation, 420 Lakeside Avenue, Suite 203-A, Marlborough, MA 01752.
Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com
