Marian V. (Mondeau) Marra, 93, a longtime resident of Middleboro, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2023. She was the wife of the late George J. Marra.

Born in Bridgewater on June 20, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Mondeau and Laura (Cormier) Mondeau. Marian was the Valedictorian of Bridgewater High School, Class of 1947.

Retiring from Bridgewater State University after 20 years of state service, Marian was an Administrative Assistant to a University Dean.

Marian enjoyed knitting, sewing, cooking, and dancing. She also very much enjoyed being at family parties.

Marian is survived by her children Carol P. Radford and her husband David, George A. Marra, James J. Marra and his wife Carrie, Theresa M. Walden and her companion Ray Kendall, and Louise M. Marra; 13 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Funeral from the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 17 Main St., Lakeville on Friday, March 10th at 9:00 AM, thence to Sacred Heart Church; St. Isidore Parish, 340 Center St., Middleboro, where a funeral mass will be celebrated for the repose of her soul at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, 141 Wood St., Middleboro. Visiting hours in the funeral home on Thursday, March 9th from 4:00-7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online to Bridgewater State University (Donation Form - Bridgewater State University) in Marian V. Marra's memory, or by mail: Bridgewater State University Foundation, PO Box 42, Bridgewater, MA 02324-9989.

Eulogy for Marian:

Although her middle name, Virginia, was rarely used she always signed her name Marian V. Marra. We called her Ma, Mom, Mum, Gramma, Gram, GG, Auntie Marian, Marian and my dad called her Babe.

Many of you have shared how strong she was and that she lived a full and meaningful life. We all describe her as "a very special person." What made Marian so special?

She LOVED life and was able to express that love through her daily actions. She devoted herself to this church and was an active participant in the Sacred Heart Ladies Sodality. She was adamant about her children's education. You could find her late at night or in the early morning typing and proofreading any important school papers we had due. Mom wanted us to be successful in school.

When I was in highschool, my guidance counselor discouraged me from choosing teaching as my life's work. When I shared this with my mother she immediately responded, You are going to be a teacher and you will be going to Bridgewater State Teachers College. Of course, I did what my mother told me to do and have enjoyed a very full career as a teacher. When I formally retired in 2014, I asked her why she disagreed with my counselor and pushed so hard for me to become a teacher. She said to me, She didn't know you like I did. You were born to be a teacher. It is inside of you. My mother could see the gifts and talents of each of her children and grandchildren and was able to guide and direct each of us in her special way.

Marian had lots of hobbies and especially loved to cook, bake, sew, and knit. She could whip up a meal for any guests who dropped by and she loved entertaining in her cozy kitchen. She absolutely loved Tom Brady and when she watched Golden Girls she laughed until she cried.

And let's not forget the dancing. She would dance in the kitchen with her grandchildren standing on her feet and dance with anyone and everyone at a wedding. Although we would all agree the most special dances we witnessed were the ones with my dad.

Another important and great love of my mother's was Bridgewater State Teachers College, now known as Bridgewater University. My mother grew up in Bridgewater and her brother Leo wanted her to attend college and become a teacher. Even though she graduated at the top of her class and was named valedictorian, she explained to Leo she wasn't ready for college and she wanted to work.

Mom didn't have a partner for her senior prom, so her sister Doris and her husband Warren set mom up on a blind date with a "good dancer" from Middleboro. Of course that dance partner was my dad. They married two years later and began their family in Middleboro where she lived most of her life. I asked my mom several years ago if she had regrets about getting married so young and starting a family instead of going to college and pursuing a career. She said, I have absolutely no regrets and she shared that her purpose in life was to be a mother and raise a family. We have all witnessed her joy of motherhood as she holds and plays with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

My mother's relationship with Bridgewater University didn't end with her decision not to attend college. In fact, after she raised all five of her children, Marian, in her early fifties, says to all of us that she is ready to go to work! She went on to work full time as an administrative secretary for several deans until she retired at the age of 72. Mom loved supporting the students at the university and being part of the university community.

But most of all, what made Marian so special is that she loved a good party! Her favorite phrase at any family gathering was, "We're having a party." A party always included our favorite foods; homemade sauce, spaghetti and meatballs or ravioli and an antipasto salad. We could always count on sweets, because she loved them, and for special occasions she would make a pink and beige cake. Most of our parties have music, loud talking, some games, a little dancing, and lots of laughter.

Mom never attended college to become a teacher like her brother wanted her to– but she was always teaching us and showing us the way to a full and meaningful life.

She taught us …that it doesn't matter how old you are, you can follow your heart and do what makes you happy. She taught us… to love what we do and to share our gifts with others. And most importantly she taught us… the importance of family traditions and celebrations.

Marian V. Marra has left an enormous legacy to the world through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, friends, and all of the students she touched at Bridgewater University. She has lived a full and meaningful life and it is now time for her to rest in peace.