Marie R. "Howard" Wright

Marie R. Wright (née Howard), age 87, of Burlington, Massachusetts (formerly Arlington, MA), passed away peacefully in the company of her loving family on February 23, 2026.

Marie was born on February 24, 1938, in Boston, Massachusetts, to John and Alice Howard. Her family spent Marie's early childhood in Reading and Somerville before settling in Arlington, where she later attended Arlington High School and met the love of her life, Alan Wright.

After high school, Marie pursued her love of fashion design at the Massachusetts College of Art. Upon graduation, she briefly worked in the bridal industry while Alan completed his dental degree. They were married at Saint Agnes Church on August 22, 1959, beginning a partnership that would define the rest of her life.

While Marie and Alan were both accomplished in their own rights, it was together that they made their greatest impact. As Alan built his career as a dentist, Marie devoted herself to raising and mentoring their six children, creating a home centered on love, stability, and generosity. She had an extraordinary ability to give her time and attention to each member of her family, providing encouragement, guidance, and unwavering support.

Despite the demands of a busy household, Marie never set aside her creativity. She continued to nurture her passion for fashion design and sewing, often designing, and creating her own clothing and crafting quilts and handmade pieces that became cherished parts of family life. Marie is survived by her beloved husband, Alan Wright, and their six children: Alison Wright of Lowell; Hillary Wright and her spouse, Tony, of Arlington; John Wright and his spouse, Carolyn, of Arlington; Christopher Wright and his spouse, Jessica, of West Medford; Michael Wright of Arlington; and the late Brian Wright and his spouse, Maryellen. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Marie's greatest pride was the family she and Alan built together. Her quiet strength, kindness, and steady presence shaped the lives of those around her in ways both large and small. She taught by example - through compassion, dedication, and love - and her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured and the home she created for all who knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut St., ARLINGTON on Friday March 6th from 4-7 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday in Saint Agnes' Church at 11:30 am. Burial is private.