Born and raised in Waltham, she was the daughter of the late Arthur N. and Bridget (Martyn) Charbonneau and the wife of the late Paul Sheehan. She was a graduate of Waltham High School, class of 1953.
She began working at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn as a waitress in 1960. Throughout the next 50 years, she served the Inn in the Human Resources Department and in her later years in the gift shop, where she was well known by many.
She was a kind, lovely lady who was generous to all. She loved to shop and was always dressed impeccably. She looked forward to her neighborhood’s “Birthday” dinner celebrations, usually once a month, and was known for her Christmas Button Cookies.
She felt fortunate to have been able to travel to Europe, visiting many countries including Ireland, where she had the opportunity to visit with her Irish cousins. She had been a member of St. Matthias Parish for many years and was a former religious education teacher.
She is survived by her son, Kevin Sheehan and his wife Crislyn of Marlborough, whose care and devotion made it possible for Marie to remain in her home during her illness. She is also survived by her sister, Eileen Pickett of Pompano Beach, Fla., and her grandchildren, whom she adored, Jordan Sheehan and Sarah and Joshua Cotton. She was also the mother of the late Karen Cotton, who died in 2008.
Visiting hours will be held Sunday, Oct. 30, from 2-4 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m., at St. Matthias Church, 409 Hemenway St., Marlborough. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough.
Flowers may be sent or donations made to the American Breast Cancer Foundation, 10400 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 480, Columbia , MD 21044.
