Marie Grace (Ricci) Lucier

Mrs. Marie G. (Ricci) Lucier, 87, of Hyannis MA and formerly of Mashpee MA & Milford MA went to her eternal rest on Monday (May 9, 2022) in the arms of her devoted son, Van P. Lucier, on Cape Cod at Royal of Cotuit Nursing Facility, Mashpee MA, after an illness.

She was the childhood sweetheart and loving wife for 64 years of the late Richard Viens Lucier who passed away December 17, 2016. They were wed February 7th 1953; they had been inseparable since the ages of 14 and 15 years of age. Their marriage was blessed with 64 years of true devotion, and endless love. They are now reunited “Together Forever”.

Marie was born in Milford Hospital, the oldest of two children, daughter of the late Antoinette M. (Panichelli) Ricci Kusiak and the late Albert S. Ricci.

Marie attended the former Sacred Heart parochial school in Milford MA, grades 1 thru 8 and transferred to Milford High School, proudly graduating from the Class of 1952. She is noted in her Oak, Lily & Ivy yearbook as a featured attraction, being a sparkling, talented, attractive and  great dancer in all the minstrel shows she performed in during her four years at Milford High School. She was also a member of the Glee Club; the O.L.&I. Committee; the Commercial Club and the Minstrel Show for all four years. 

As a young woman Marie was employed as a paralegal secretary for the law office of the late William J. Murray, Esq. As with many Milfordians in the 1950’s she was also employed at the former Bickford Shoe Company; the former Porter Shoe Company and the former Stylon Corporation. After that she worked nonstop at the most rewarding, important and memorable job of all, raising her three children who she cherished with all her heart.

Marie was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, aunt and friend. She was a great cook, very proud of her Italian heritage, catholic faith and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In high school she was known for her beautiful voice, exquisite clothing and a wonderful dancer in all the minstrel shows she performed in.

As previously stated, Marie loved to sing and dance, but silenced her beautiful voice upon the death of her beloved daughter, Jean Marie Lucier, who passed away at the tender age of 15, in November of 1971, from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

When living in Milford, Marie & Dick’s home on Purchase Street was the gathering spot for numerous neighborhood children who to this day keep in close contact, especially Michelle Krassopoulos & Danielle Pozzi, who both Marie & Dick thought of as their own children.

On many winter evenings there would be many children sledding or tobogganing down the hill behind their home. When the children finish sledding and were half frozen, Marie would invite them into the house to warm up by the wood stove and make them hot chocolate and grilled English muffins. Dick supplied the homemade root beer & fatherly love.

Without question or doubt there is a very special bond created between families that grew up on Purchase Street that lasts a lifetime and transcends from generation to generation. The family of the late Richard & the late Felice O’Rourke, were very special to Marie & Dick, as were the family of the late John E. & Ann Murphy, Gerald & the late Jane Beaudoin were exceptionally close….. “Gerry” was like a brother to Dicky and Jane a sister to Marie.

Upon retiring, in the Fall of 1995, Marie and Dick, decided to fulfill their dream of moving to Cape Cod, selling their beautiful home at 118 Purchase Street in Milford MA and moving to the Cape on October 10th 1995 (Dick’s 62nd Birthday). They were like newlyweds when they moved into their brand new custom built home in Mashpee MA, and lived there extremely healthy and happy for the past 21 years.

Once again they were truly blessed to be surrounded by their wonderful, caring and loving neighbors on Quashnet Woods Drive in Mashpee MA. Once again their home was the daily gathering spot for conversation and cocktails. Marie & Dick, were especially fond of their neighbors the late Louie & and his wife Jean Giliberti; Nancy & (Brie…Golden Retreiver) Smith.

Marie & Dick enjoyed collecting antiques, both of their homes were showplaces. Marie enjoyed walking in the yard and prided herself with an immaculate lawn while living on Purchase Street. They enjoyed long rides down scenic Route 6A on Cape Cod in their convertible VW Bug, dining out at special spots on the Cape, treasure hunting at estate and yard sales every Friday and Saturday morning, but more than anything on this Earth, Marie adored her husband and their children, they were her entire world.

Marie had one sibling, her brother, who pre-deceased her, the late Albert S. Ricci Jr. She was also pre-deceased by her beloved daughter Jean Marie Lucier, whom she longed to be reunited with over the past 51 years. She was also pre-deceased by her granddog “Caelob”. You’re finally with Jeanna and Daddy, now rest in eternal peace my precious mother   

Survivors include her devoted son & caretaker, Van Paul Lucier, whom she lived with; Phillip J. Macomber who was a caretaker & confidant and whom she loved as her own son; her son Russell P. Lucier and his wife Donna M. (Zacchilli); her Cape Cod Family whom she truly loved as her own children: Janice Macomber, Sheryl (Macomber) Mattivello and her husband Ralph J. Mattivello Jr.; and their son Anthony Joseph, who she treated like her grandson and was affectionately called “Nonnie”  by Anthony, who was the apple of Nonnie’s eye. Also Gregory J. Mello and Paul R. Mello and many nieces, nephews and a “special cousin” Albert M. Recchia.

Her funeral will be held Monday (May 16th) from the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 NOON in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 19 Winter Street, Milford MA.

Interment will follow in North Purchase Cemetery in Milford MA where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband and beloved daughter. “We will meet again on that golden shore, to part again never more”.

Visiting hours will be held Monday (May 16th) from 10am to 11:30am at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, prior to her Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Marie’s memory may be made to The Needy Fund and mailed to The Cape Cod Times Needy Fund, P O Box #36, Hyannis MA 02601      or to     St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 .

IN MARIE’S OWN WORDS:

“At this time I want to acknowledge the following nurses & CNA’s for the outstanding care and love I received daily.

Nurses:  Mike, Claire, Emma, Stephanie, Nardica, Jocelyn, Jacqui and her “favorite”, Wendy    &   CNA’s:   Angela – “her angel on earth”; Lejean, Brianna & Chaka

“Each of you made me feel safe, cared for & loved.    Thank you from the bottom of my heart,    And I’ll never forget my special friend, Mr. Elmo English, for always sharing and caring, I’ll miss our daily chats my friend.

God Bless you, we’ll all meet again.”

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