1940 - 2024
Visitation
January 4, 20259-11AM
Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St., N. Chelmsford, MA 01863
Funeral
January 4, 202511AM
Dolan Funeral Home
Mary Margaret Morais, 84, of Chelmsford, MA died peacefully on Wednesday December 18, 2024 surrounded by family at the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, MA.
Born in Lowell, MA, Mary was the beloved daughter of Edward David and Dorothy (Thompson) Barton. She graduated from Lowell High School with the class of 1958, attended Framingham State College, and went on to work in customer service in the banking industry.
Her extended Barton and Thompson family held strong values and bonds in faith, family, respect, and support for one another. Mary cherished family holidays, vacations, and reunions, especially those centered on her childhood gathering location at Weirs Beach, Lake Winnipesaukee. She was married for many years to the late Normand Morais, maintaining a lifelong friendship in caring for their children and grandchildren.
Mary treasured the spiritual legacy imparted by her parents and grandparents and purposefully extended it into the lives of her children. Her deep faith and relationship with God developed early in her life, with significant influences from both her Catholic and Methodist upbringing. Mary moved between Catholic and Protestant churches through her life, having settled as a longstanding member of Grace Community Church in Westford, MA. She was active in numerous church volunteer capacities, religious education and retreats, home based Bible studies and prayer meetings, and several ministries, such as the New England Tape Ministry.
Mary’s devotional life was a central part of her being. Daily, she would open scripture and journal her reflections and prayers; she had a genuine, intuitive and contagious faith. Mary had her share of hardships, but those difficulties did not embitter her. Rather, she “offered up those sufferings to the Lord”, allowing God to bring forth greater good and strength in her character. As a natural outgrowth of that goodness, she had a special love and compassion for those who struggled in life, and became a true friend to so many. She could also be very witty, where even in her last weeks of life was still making us all laugh at her quick comebacks. Mary was a treasured gift and will be missed.
She is survived by her sons, Dave and his wife Ella Morais of Chattanooga, TN, Steve and his wife Anne Morais of Litchfield, NH, and daughter Paula and her husband Stephen Wingreen of Christchurch, New Zealand; grandchildren, Noah, Hannah, Josiah, Michael, and Matthew Morais, Stephen and Christopher Wingreen, and great-granddaughter, Julia Morais; her brother David and his wife Yasuko Barton, sister Priscilla Hartley, sister-in-law Carol Barton, brother-in-law Bob McGuire; sisters of Normand Morais, Claire Constantine and Pauline Lee; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory can be made to Marguerite’s Place or the Ellie Fund.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Mary’s visiting hours will be held from 9-11AM on Saturday January 4, 2025 at DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST., N. CHELMSFORD, MA 01863 with a service at 11AM. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Elaine and Chris Nault
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We will miss Mary very much. I’m sure she is enjoying her beers lol. We have so many good memories of your mom at Lake Eden. She was an amazing lady who had so much good wisdom and could have fun too. She was such a blessing to so many of us. We are so sorry for your loss but we know she is with Jesus. Cherish all the memories. Sending you all prayers 🙏 and hugs!
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Jeannie and Louie Agusto
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Mary, my Mary… I have know you for 49 years. I will treasure in my heart the 5 months that I lived with you. We had so much fun while I was there. Thank you for your love, kindness and deep friendship. I will miss our talks of Jesus and share our walks with God and the insights that each of us gained. It was fun eating breakfast and dinners out on the back deck watching the birds eating their meal and watching nature all around us. Oh how I will miss you here on earth but someday we will dance together up in heavenly places. You are my wonderful special friend/ sister for eternity…. I love you, I will truly miss you💕💕💕
To Dave, Steve, Paula and families, I am truly sorry for your great loss. Your Mom/ Grandma was such a wonderful, special, beautiful loved woman. She loved you all and your families deeply. I could see the love in her eyes as she spoke of all of you. You are all very special to your Mom/ Grandma. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Know that we love you and that you are family to me….❤️ Jeannie Agusto
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Peggy Mahar
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My heartfelt condolences go out to Mary’s family and friends. I was blessed to have her a friend and mentor at Grace Community Church for several years. I have never met such a devoted prayer warrior as Mary. She prayed for and helped so many. I am comforted to know that she is in heaven celebrating right now! She will be greatly missed here on earth. With love, Peggy Mahar
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Linda Barton Teuwen
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Mary was not only my cousin but best friends. Every friday night we would make the trip from Billerica to Alder Street for our weekly visit. Mary and I would get together while the adults visited around the kitchen table. It was always filled with fun and laughter. As an adult we shared in our spiritual lives.. She was always an inspiration. I will truly miss her.
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Mary Ann Egan
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To The Family of Mary Morais,
We wanted to extend to you our deepest sympathies with the recent passing of Mary. God Bless her soul. The Egan Family
( former neighbors on Charlemont Ct.)
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Penne Shea
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Sorry for the loss of your beloved Mother.
Mary was a great neighbor and will be missed. RIP Mary, you are home
Penne Shea
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