Marie A. (Forest) Carpenter

AYER: Marie A. (Forest) Carpenter, 78, of Ayer died Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at her home. Marie had been battling lung cancer and chose to spend her final days comfortable at home where she was surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Marie was born in Leominster, MA on October 8, 1943, the daughter of Dorothy (Desmaris) Marino and Eugene Forest. She had a brother, Eugene, who passed away in 1973. Marie and her husband, Leo, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They resided in Ayer for much of their adult lives where they raised their three children. Marie and Leo opened their hearts to adoption and adopted their son, Leo Jr. in 1965 and their daughter, Maryann, in 1968. They were then blessed with a daughter, Christine, who was born in 1971. Marie was a caring and nurturing mother who provided a loving home for her family, filled with fun and laughter and lots of homecooked food. Her pot roast was legendary, and the family was often roused from their sleep on Sunday mornings as the house filled with smoke from her searing the meat. She also made an amazing spaghetti sauce that will be sure to be passed down through future generations. Marie was a stay-at-home mom while her children were young. As her children grew, she went to hairdressing school. She often gave haircuts at home to her family and friends. This being the 70’s and 80’s there were some perms that happened in the home too. One never forgets the smell of that permanent solution. She also worked for 26 years in the Ayer High School cafeteria before retiring in 2013 as its manager. She continued to work at the school for many years as a ticket-taker for basketball and football games. She enjoyed golf and spent many summers playing in Westminster with her husband where they forged many friendships. They and their golf buddies would often travel to Myrtle Beach, SC so they could continue to play golf during the winter months. Marie took up golf so she and Leo could spend time together doing something they loved. Marie also loved a good game of bingo. She and her longtime friend, Marge Riley, would go to weekly bingo games in the surrounding towns, always splitting their winnings between the two of them. Marie had a close relationship with her mother’s husband, Vincent Marino, who was very much a father figure to her. Vinnie has been greatly missed by the family since 1986. Marie also had a very special relationship with her first grandson, Greg Johnston, who came to live with her and Leo as a teenager. Marie and Leo provided a loving, stable home for Greg when he needed it most. Marie will be missed by her lifelong friend, Janet Sudak-Lawrence. Marie and Janet met in first grade and maintained their friendship for over 70 years. She is preceded in death by her very close sisters-in-laws Connie O’Brien and Carol Lento and her brother-in-law Gerald Lally. No doubt the women are enjoying a scalding hot cup of tea together, while Gerry reminisces with a beer. Marie is survived by her husband, Leo, her son, Leo Carpenter Jr. of Ayer, daughter Maryann and her husband Ernest F. Houle of Leominster, and daughter Christine and her wife Stephanie Seguin of Fitchburg. She also leaves behind a legacy of 6 grandchildren (Nina Carpenter, Matthew Carpenter, Gregory Johnston, John Rodriguez, Makaela Rodriguez and Grace Houle) and 1 great-grandson, Hudson Tavares. She also shared a close relationship with her step-granddaughter Amanda Blanchette. Marie is also survived by her loving mother, Dorothy Marino. A memorial service will be held at the St. Mary’s cemetery in Ayer on Saturday, November 6th at 11:00 am. All are welcome to attend. The Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road, Ayer is assisting the family with arrangements.

Tributes

Marie A. (Forest) Carpenter

October 8, 1943 - October 27, 2021