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Dick Hoyt
May 27, 2014
We are very sorry to hear of Maria's passing. Our sympathy to Maria's husband Jerry and her children. We met Maria on many occasions and thought she was a wonderful person. Maria was very passionate about her work at Charles River Arc and with the Rett Foundation and we enjoyed working with her on presentations for these organization. May she rest in peace- - Sincerely - Kathy Boyer & Dick Hoyt
Arthur Howe
May 23, 2014
Having work with Maria for many years, I was heartbroken to hear of her passing. She was such a kind, lovely person and I will miss our friendship. I can only imagine what this loss means to her family. Wishing God's strength as you persevere and, in due time, live life to its fullest as she would want for you all.
Barbara McLaughlin
May 9, 2014
I met Maria after the tragic loss of my Uncle Bob Moore. When I approached her about running the Boston Marathon in his memory she was supportive, kind, and professional--helping to thank donors, communicate with me on a daily basis, and mostly hold my hand through a tough and emotional process. Not only did she make sure donations were used in a manner appropriate to honor Bob and help Charles River residents, she sought media coverage to raise awareness and took the time to stop by the Moore house to wish me luck the night before the marathon. I cannot say enough about her gentle compassion, sensitivity, and other-focused nature. I had no idea about her own trials. She was too busy helping me through mine... Now, I'm so sorry Charles River, Rett parents, and, especially, your family have lost such a kind soul, but I know heaven is a better place with her there.
May 8, 2014
I will really miss her alot.
She was very nice and helpful to everyone from Charles River Center.
Love Lynn Sekulow Brighton Ma
May 8, 2014
I am very sorry to hear about the loss
Love Lynn J.Sekulow
Kathy Youngs
May 7, 2014
Maria you spent so many years taking care of your Angel, now Jesus is taking care of you.
Kathleen and Haylei
May 7, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family. Maria has touched our lives in a beautiful and loving way. We were truly blessed to have known her. May you find peace, strength and courage. Much love and admiration.
May 6, 2014
"Maria - all the beautiful sounds of the world in a single word. Say it loud and there's music playing, say it soft and it's almost like praying." We are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Maria.
With Love, Chris and Matt Reilly
May 6, 2014
Maria was an extraordinarily beautiful woman, and she glowed with kindness. Sending heartfelt condolence to all her family and the communities she so generously served, The Hawkridge Family
May 6, 2014
For many years Jerry Lavoie and I had the privilege of working with Maria on behalf of the Dedham Institution for Savings in support of her efforts on behalf of the Charles River Center. Our view of the world was always enhanced by our time spent with Maria, who worked tirelessly and joyfully in her role. She was truly one of the kindest and most dedicated people I ever had the honor of knowing. Her family, friends and colleagues have lost a gift that was given to those of us lucky enough to have known her.
Bill Gothorpe
Naples, FL
Nicole Gowe
May 6, 2014
I am saddened to hear about Maria's passing. Maria was a sweet person to work with and I always remember the many wonderful memories we had working together. Rest in peace my friend! I will love you forever! Love always, Nicole.
May 6, 2014
you do not know me or my daughter, but we knew maria from charles river. the softest person. she will be surely missed. i hope you all find solace and peace in the knowledge that you were fortunate enough to be in her intimate circle of love and largesse of heart. respectfully yours, bridget, dashiell and amy robinson
Jim Healy
May 6, 2014
Maria was incredible - so loving, so compassionate, so dedicated, and so generous with her time, assistance and smile. She may no longer be with us in body, but she'll always be with us in spirit and never forgotten. I extend my most heartfelt condolences to Gerry and their children. May Maria rest in peace.
May 6, 2014
To the McTernan and Timpero families,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Maria. I met with her time and again over the years and her compassion and enthusiasm impressed me so much. I do miss her.
Sue Robey Biasizzo
May 6, 2014
Gerry and Family:
We are saddened by Maria's passing. John Grugan, of Charles River Center sent an email with a photo of Maria that captures her smile and we know there is a laugh in there too. She will be missed.
Paula Higgins and Rich Lawless
Madeline O'Connor
May 5, 2014
Dear McTernan and Timperio Families,
I am sending you my deepest sympathy in the loss of Maria. I worked with her at Green Meadows Ice Cream in Watertown during our high school and college years.She was an inspiration to all of us as she was hardworking,sincere and honest. Maria was beautiful in and out. We had so many laughs together as we scooped ice cream on those hot summer nights serving those long lines of people.
Heaven has gained an angel. Maria, I will always love you and have a special place in my heart for you. You will never be forgotten. Madeline Caruso O'Connor
Laura Tempesta
May 5, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of Maria; you couldn't help but see right away what a special contribution she was making to the world- she had such a gentle, classy, compassionate, way about her, and she got so much done, and had so many good ideas and the drive to move them forward..so kind and intelligent, she made each person she spoke with feel valued.. She will be missed by many people in many ways. I wish strength, peace, and comfort for Gerry and your children... you have my thoughts and prayers.
Jen Riley
May 5, 2014
I am so sorry for your families loss. Maria was such a great person and and always took time to help others. She will be missed very much. I was very lucky to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Anne & Dick Aulenbach
May 5, 2014
We miss that great smile and infectious laugh. Gone forever but always in our heart. Love Anne & Dick
Daniel Warner
May 5, 2014
Heaven now has one of our best. A true inspiration on how to focus on the right things. I would have never ran a marathon (let alone twice) if it wasn't for Maria! Thoughts and prayers to her family.
May 5, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gerry, Jon and family. Maria was a wonderful person and we were all blessed to know her. The Doar family.
John Grugan
May 5, 2014
From the day Maria began her work here she brought a level of passion, commitment and determination that made Charles River a better place for both those we serve and the staff that work so tirelessly to brighten the lives of people with developmental disabilities. I know she made me a better person by helping me see vividly how important our work is.
She made all those she worked with want Charles River to be the best. She set a high bar for herself and inspired others to do the same. She made our successes seem like major triumphs and our failures something that we all had to work hard to correct.
Maria's job was to raise funds for the organization. She was successful because people always saw her as someone who gave back more than she took. Many realized that their generosity was rewarded with sincere gratitude, genuine warmth and an appreciation that their support was so important to their lives of the people we support.
We at the Charles River Center will remain inspired by the memory of Maria and commit ourselves to achieve the highest level of service possible. This would be the best gift we can give to her and the best way to honor the legacy she left us.
I thank her for keeping so many of us at Charles River on the right path and for helping us stay grounded in our important work. I will miss her friendship, her wisdom and her passion for our mission and the values that helps Charles River Center stand out as an organization that is willing to serve the neediest of individuals with both a high level of caring and a high level of competence.
She was a friend and a means of support for many parents of children with developmental disabilities. She gave her support freely and with compassion.
I wish that my words were as elegant as the woman that she was and beg your forgiveness for not capturing adequately all that made her such a beautiful person; but, that would be a task beyond the skills of all but the most eloquent among us.
Gerry, John, Lori and Julie, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
May 5, 2014
Like many others Maria was one of the first parents we met after our daughter's Rett diagnosis. Maria made scared parents comfortable and reassured them; she was always giving of her time, her love and her positive attitude. Gerry and family we are so sorry - Maria was loved by so many.
Chuck & Paula
Pam Piantedosi
May 5, 2014
As high school classmates, Maria's grace and elegance was just a small part of who she was and became. She touched the lives of so many people in so many ways. One of my favorite memories was dinner at her parents house and then Sunday nights where she worked at Green Meadows Ice Cream parlor where we would do homework and indulge in our favorite concoctions. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with Maria and the family.
Ariane and Christian McMahan
May 5, 2014
Sending you all love and prayers! We are so sorry for your loss! Maria was one of the first parents i met after we got Keilly's Rett diagnosis and her smile and soft touch provided me with so much comfort. When i think of Maria i think of her as just the mostly LOVELY person i have ever met.
May 5, 2014
Maria was a tremendous friend to so many of us and our lives are forever enriched by memories of her tremendous humanity, warm smile, kindness, thoughtfulness, and unselfish generosity. Maria was a truly exceptional person and
my heart goes out to her family and all of the wonderful people at Charles River and IRSF who do so much to enrich lives on so many levels.
Maria will be missed.
Barry Pugatch
Kathryn Kissam
May 5, 2014
Maria's internal torch lit the fire in all of us. She truly was an amazing woman, and inspirational to us all. Her goodness and determination are her legacy. She has made the world brighter for so many. We will miss you.
Kathryn Kissam
Carol and Dick Harrington
May 5, 2014
Dear Gerry, John, Julie and Lori, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Maria has left such a beautiful legacy. We will always remember her beautiful smile which was as big and warm as her heart.
Janice Gerulskis Hamby
May 5, 2014
Dear Gerry, John, Julie, and Lori,
I am so sorry to hear of the too early loss of your lovely wife and dedicated mother, Maria. She had such admirable dignity and self-confidence, a wonderful sense of humor and focused intelligence. She was truly a good person. My deepest sympathy, Janice Gerulskis Hamby
Larry Fallon
May 5, 2014
My family and I are just one of the many families that benefitted from Maria's kindness and leadership. Will miss her welcoming smile and grace. Our condolences to Gerry and family. We hope to see you and Lori often.
May 5, 2014
Dear Gerry, Johnny, Julie & Lori,
We are so saddened by the loss of Maria. She was a wonderful and caring person. Your family will be in our thoughts in prayers at this most difficult time.
John and Nancy Nolan
Jane Joyce
May 4, 2014
Dear Gerry and family - We are absolutely heartbroken to hear about Maria. She was so elegant and beautiful - inside and out. She will be missed by so many and we were so lucky to know her. Thinking of you and your family and sending loving thoughts your way. With love, The Joyces
Erica robertson
May 4, 2014
what a loss. Maria was an amazing woman who I am so glad I had the chance to meet. she will be greatly missed.
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
May
7
Needham Golf Club,
49 Green St.,, Needham, MA 02492
May
7
10:30 a.m.
St. Bartholomew Catholic Church
1180 Greendale Ave, Needham, MA 02492
Funeral services provided by:
George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Needham1305 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492

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