With the heaviest hearts, we must announce that Maryanne Catherine Houde, “Bunny,” age 33, passed away on Sunday, August 13th, 2023, after a long illness.
Born in Boston, on October 13th, 1989, Maryanne was the cherished daughter of CherylAnne (Sherry) and Steven Houde of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, beloved sister of Irene Houde, of Chelsea, her brother, Shawn Houde, sister-in-law to Shawn’s wife, Amanda Houde, and loving aunt of their son, Lucas Houde, of Nashua, New Hampshire. Additionally, Maryanne leaves behind many wonderful, and loving, aunts and uncles, cousins and caregivers, and longtime friends.
Although born with multiple disabilities, and needing numerous hospitalizations throughout her life, Maryanne brightened so many lives with her smile and loving personality. She was a strong woman, who overcame so much in her short life. Bunny was a very social, and happy young lady, and she had a large impact on everyone that met her. Maryanne taught all who knew her how to love unconditionally; she gave her family and friends a perspective on life that many might not see; and showed us all that it really doesn’t take very much to make her happy – even when she was seriously ill, or in pain. All she needed was some catchy tunes to listen to, on her iPod; a warm, bright, sunny day; and taking a nice, long walk with her parents, or caregivers, pushing her wheelchair for her, with a warm breeze tickling her cherubic face.
Maryanne attended the GLEC (Greater Lawrence Educational Collaborative) program in her early years then transferred to Perkins school, for the Blind in Watertown, Ma. She would later attend the Lifelinks Day Program (now Encompass) in Chelmsford, Ma.
We wish to gratefully acknowledge the advocacy, and support that Maryanne received from the Massachusetts Commission of the Blind, as well as the few loving caretakers over her lifetime, especially the late Ms. Jean Dunlea, of Wakefield, and Mrs. Barbara Lawless, of Tewksbury. With their love, support, and dedication, Maryanne was able to make the best use of her limited physical resources. Their presence in her life helped Maryanne to enjoy the best quality of life she possibly could.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, August 22nd, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at the Farmer and Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury, MA. A funeral Mass will be said for Maryanne at Saint Williams Catholic Church, 1351 Main St. (Rte. 38) Tewksbury, on Wednesday, August 23rd, at 10:00 am, with interment to follow, at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury, MA.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made, in Maryanne’s memory, to: Bostonchildrens.org/giveinmemory, or, by check, to: Boston Children's Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive Suite 602, Boston, Ma, 02215-5301 (Please include Maryanne’s name in memo line.) Please specify if your donation is to go to the PACT (pediatric advanced care team), or BAT (Bridges Adult Transition Program) on your check.