Obituary of Marie Florence Manning

Marie Florence “Me’me’” of Burlington, passed away on May 13, 2023 at the age of 94.  Marie was born in St. Pepetue, Quebec, Canada.  She was one of thirteen children born to Arsene and Diana (Lord) Bourgault. She was the 8th of 13 children in the Bourgault family. They were in order of longevity, Adrienne, Colombe, Helen, Jeanette, Patrick, Germaine, Gemma, Florence “Marie”, Jeanne d’Arc, Irene, Denise, George (only surviving sibling), and Roger. It is in the Catholic family tradition in Quebec to give all the girls the first name of Marie and the boys, Joseph. All the siblings having the same first name made it confusing in such a large family, so everyone went by their middle names.

Meme (as we call her) had to leave school at a very young age to help her mother with her many young siblings after her dad passed. She took the train to Maine for work with siblings and sometimes alone to help feed the lumberjacks in the camps there and pick potatoes. Other times she cooked, cleaned, and babysat for families in nearby towns. Sometimes, coming home only on weekends. When her older sister left for the states to find work and start a family, Marie came down to help her in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This is where she met Robert Manning, who she would later marry in 1950. Bob happened to be the stepbrother of her sister Adrienne’s husband, Adrien. Yes, you read that right. Bob and Marie had a wonderful marriage and raised two daughters, Pat Glynn and Denise Parker. Over the years, she worked part-time at the Star Market in Woburn and eventually waitressed at the Howard Johnson’s in Burlington to be closer to home. Her outgoing nature and sense of humor made her a well-loved and dependable waitress through several changes of ownership from HoJo’s, Picalilly’s and then Chili’s for many years. Finally retiring in her 70’s.

Meme was an excellent cook, seamstress, and gardener. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family and neighbors. Alongside Bob “Pe`pe`”, she loved to entertain and travel, especially to Aruba. Many parties were had at 3 James St. in Burlington. The door was always open and fun was always had. She was a dedicated member of the VFW Auxiliary in Belmont, MA. There she wore many hats as a flag bearer, Chaplin, Vice President, and President. With the Auxiliary, she volunteered at the VA, attended many conventions and made lasting bonds with the members of the VFW and Auxiliary.

Marie is survived by her daughter, Patricia Glynn and her husband, Pau l “Sloop” Glynn of Pelham, NH (formerly of Chelmsford, MA), her daughter Denise Parker and her husband Glenn Parker of Chelmsford, MA. Her grandchildren, Heather (Glynn) Spyrakis & husband Yannis Spyrakis, Joshua Glynn & wife Cheryl Glynn, Jessica Ortiz & husband Rafael Ortiz, Michelle Parker & Partner Donald Howe, and Lindsey Parker & Partner Corey Luebbers. Her great grandchildren, Jaiden Ortiz, Xavier Ortiz, Aubriella Ortiz, Travis Glynn, and Jacob Glynn. Her brother, George Bourgault, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and beloved neighbors.

She was the widow of Robert James Manning and predeceased by her parents, Arsene and Diana (Lord) Bourgault, her siblings, Adrienne, Colombe, Helen, Jeanette, Patrick, Germaine, Gemma, Jeanne d’Arc, Irene, Denise, and Roger.

Services will be held on Saturday May 20th at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington.  There will be a visiting hour from 11:00 am -12:00 pm followed by a noontime service at the funeral home.  Services will conclude with a at Chestnut Hill Cemetery Burlington

Donations in Lieu of flowers can be made in Maries memory to the VFW or St Judes charities, www.stjude.org.