Marie R. McManus

Marie McManus, aged 88, passed away peacefully at her home in Franklin, Massachusetts, on August 1, 2026.

Marie was the daughter of the late Isabel Alves and Joseph Rodrigues. She grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts, graduating from Somerville High School. Throughout her life, she remained deeply connected to her roots, always looking forward to her high school reunions, where she loved dancing the night away with lifelong friends.

Marie was a true renaissance woman whose creativity knew no bounds. An exceptionally talented seamstress, she poured love into every stitch, creating everything from wedding and prom dresses to Halloween costumes and countless first-day-of-school outfits. Her artistic spirit also shone through her passions for crafting, painting, and baking. It wasn’t a birthday without one of her memorable birthday cakes. When she wasn't creating, she was often found lost in a good book or enjoying classic movies.

"No" was not in her vocabulary. At 88 years old, she was often seen shoveling her long, steep driveway, raking leaves or mowing her acre of land with a push mower! There was nothing she couldn’t do and she proved this until the very end.

Professionally, Marie retired from Allied Domecq, where she served as an executive secretary. She spent the majority of her life in her beloved home in Franklin. Above all, Marie was happiest when surrounded by her family.

She was the treasured wife of the late Joseph McManus, a very proud, patriotic and longtime Navy veteran. She was deeply loved by her two devoted sons, Patrick and Bruce, her sister and best friend Josephine Hutchinson, her cherished grandchildren, and many adoring nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to her as “Auntie Ree.” She will be dearly missed, but will live long in memory.

Memorial services are currently pending. Marie will make her final journey to Arlington National Cemetery, where she will rest in God's everlasting peace alongside her husband, Joe.

The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the McManus family.

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com