MacDonald, Maryanne (Lanzillo) 66, of Dedham, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026 after her courageous 3.5 year battle with ovarian cancer. She was surrounded by her family. Loving wife of her husband of 45 years, Paul MacDonald. Proud mother of twin daughters, Meghan of South Boston and Lindsay, her partner Jocelyn Antonio and their dog, Fuchi, of Cumberland, RI. Maryanne is also survived by her parents, Ralph and Jeanne Lanzillo of Sandwich; sister, Julie Olsen of Foxboro and brother, Timothy Lanzillo and his wife, Susan, of Mansfield. A loving aunt, a devoted friend, and a compassionate volunteer, Maryanne is remembered and revered for her kind and generous heart. She valued hard work rooted in purpose, service and meaning. Maryanne spent the first half of her career in medicine and healthcare where she thrived in the fast-paced environments of ear, nose and throat, pediatrics and outpatient mental health. She was fortunate to work from home in medical billing when Meghan and Lindsay were born and by the time her daughters reached third grade, Maryanne’s professional path led her to Noble and Greenough School where she worked for over 25 years as Assistant to the Head of the Middle School. Maryanne’s time at Nobles can be encapsulated in two words: care and connection. She cared deeply for the Nobles community and cherished her heartfelt connections with colleagues, students, alumni and their families, particularly as she continued to work full-time during the majority of her cancer treatment. Maryanne fervently believed in “paying it forward” by giving back to her community and did so throughout the years as a town meeting member, CCD teacher, and food pantry volunteer. During cancer treatment, she facilitated a project where beautifully painted rocks were offered to patients receiving treatment at Mass General Hospital because she believed in the power of bringing a smile to someone’s face through acts of kindness. Family, friends and loved ones were the foundation of Maryanne’s life. Maryanne left her loving imprint on the hearts of so many and she will be deeply missed.
Maryanne’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the exceptional and compassionate care of the Mass General Gynecologic Cancer Service and Good Shepherd Community Care.
Visiting hours will be held at the P.E. Murray - F.J. Higgins, George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 2000 Centre St., West Roxbury on Wednesday, October 28th from 4-8 pm. Funeral from the funeral home on Thursday, October 29th at 9 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Parish, 1382 Highland Ave., Needham at 10 am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in New Westwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Maryanne to support ovarian cancer research at Mass General Brigham. Gifts can be made online at mgbgiving.org/tribute or by mail to: Mass General Brigham Development Office, 399 Revolution Drive, Suite 1330, Somerville, MA 02145. In addition, donations can be made in Maryanne’s memory to support the Norwood Food Pantry where she volunteered for several years. Gifts can be made online at www.norwoodpantry.org/donate-food or by mail to: Ecumenical Community Food Pantry of Norwood, Inc., 150 Chapel Street, Norwood, MA 02062.