Marie E. O'Leary

Marie E. O'Leary

Marie E. OLeary, 80, of Westerly, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at home and surrounded by her loving family. Born in Mystic, Connecticut, she was the daughter of Harriet E. and Peter H. Danesi, II. She is survived by her beloved husband, William D. Bill O'Leary of Westerly; her children, Patricia M. Patty Lombardo and her husband Carl of Westerly; Melissa A. Stoehr and her husband Steve of Westerly; and William Billy O'Leary and his wife Lina, also of Westerly; her loving grandchildren, Steven, Bryce, and Alexandra; her sister, Marguerite Peg Philpot; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and her grandcat and granddog, Squirt and Cooper. Marie was predeceased by her grandson, Christopher, as well as her sister, Joyce Luzzi, and her brother, Peter H. Danesi, III.

Marie grew up, and eventually worked, at the Hotel Mystic with her parents; later, they would move to Daytona, Florida, where Marie met Bill. The two wasted no time, marrying after only three months, and after several years, the two moved back to Connecticut, and eventually settled in Westerly, where they would remain for the rest of Marie's life. Marie held several jobs before settling into her career as a longtime employee of Westerly Community Credit Union, retiring as an Assistant Bank Manager, beloved of coworkers and members of the community alike.

On most days, she could be found working in her garden, a favorite pastime, and was well-known for her love of animals. In retirement, she

and Bill often embarked on road trips to northern New England, antiquing and taking in the sights.

More than anything, Marie loved and cared for her family. In her children's youth, she was known as the Cookie Lady, baking cookies for neighborhood children, a tradition she would carry on through the years, even until recently, providing a warm batch for her daughter's employees at Redstone Tire. In a similar vein, she often baked cookies and made pancakes with her grandchildren. She was known for spreading her boundless love and adopting many of her children's and grandchildren's friends as her own. Marie took great care to make her home a warm, safe, and loving place.

For her grandchildren, Marie was everything, and they were everything to her. She was instrumental in the raising of all four, spending countless hours with them, babysitting, having sleepovers, and watching them play sports. No matter the occasion, Marie was there with a hug, a smile, perhaps a cookie, and an I love you. Each moment with her was a blessing. She will be forever missed.

Marie's family would like to extend their thanks to Beacon Hospice and ALS United Rhode Island for their assistance. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Luisa Raposo and Kerri Hunt for their aid, love, and support.

Visiting hours for Marie will be held Friday, October 18, 2024, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St, Westerly, RI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Church, 111 High St., Westerly, immediately followed by burial at Saint Sebastian Cemetery, Westerly. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Christopher Andrew Lombardo Foundation or ALS United Rhode Island are welcome.