Marie F. Viola

Marie F. Viola of Norwell, MA passed away peacefully on July 14th, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Anthony B. Viola. Devoted mother of Laura and husband John May of Foxboro, John and wife Kristi Viola of Hamilton, and the late Joseph Viola of Norwell. Loving daughter of the late Paul and Ruth Horigan. Dear sister of Paul Horigan of Weymouth, Ruth Horigan of Quincy, Carol Randall of Sandwich, the late Joan Graves of Brockton, and the late Robert Horigan of Quincy. Loving grandmother Jonathan and wife Mackenzie May of Mansfield, and Michaela May of Foxboro. Great grandmother of Conor May of Mansfield.

Marie had an enthusiasm and passion for life.   She was devoted to her family, friends, faith and community. She loved the sea and sand, her mountain vistas, and the majestic view of a good sunset.  A lover of flora and fauna, she marveled at what nature put in front of her.  She loved music, literature, theater, history, cuisine and current events.  She shared much of this with her family and friends, and often led the way to actively pursue such interests.  She is fondly remembered for her love of Scituate Lighthouse, spontaneous singing when hearing a familiar tune, being the first to strike a dance on the dance floor, and her commitment to engage nearly everyone she met at various social settings.

Marie was a pioneer and champion of support for special needs children throughout her life, and worked hard with others in passing important legislation at the state capital for special needs recognition in the early days of the movement, often testifying to support the effort.  She worked tirelessly on these issues and was at the forefront of securing measures to support education, housing, and work programs for those with special needs.  She is remembered well for her dedication and leadership with the Special Olympics, the South Shore ARC, the Road to Responsibility, the Friendship Club of Norwell, and the Strikers Bowling Team, which brought her many lasting years of fulfillment and joy.

When you met Marie, you made a friend for life.   Her positive spirit and genuine enthusiasm was contagious.  She enjoyed meeting others, learning about them, and engaging in good conversation.  She was an active listener, and was revered by many with her practical ways and sound good judgement.  She served as a moral compass for all, and her wisdom had no bounds.  She will be sorely missed by all those she touched.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, July 21st,  between 4-7PM at the McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home 30 Central Street, Norwell, MA 02061. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 22nd at 10AM at St. Helen’s Church, Norwell, MA. Interment at Washington Street Cemetery, Norwell, MA. Donations in Marie’s memory may be made to the Road to Responsibility, Marshfield, MA or Mass Special Olympics, 512 Forest Street, Marlboro, MA. Visit www.mcnamara-sparrell.com for guestbook.

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