Marie Meunier

With grace, grit, and a spark that lit every room she entered, Marie (Blakely) Meunier, 94 of Gardner, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on July 20, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience.

Born May 5, 1931 to the late Raymond and Eleanor (Mitchell) Blakely, Marie spent most of her childhood in Vermont. She moved to the Templeton/Gardner area as a teenager where she met her late husband George and they built a beautiful family. The proud mother of eight, grandmother to sixteen, great-grandmother to twenty-eight, and great-great-grandmother to two, she delighted in watching her family bloom across generations. She is also lovingly remembered by her extended family, including her sister, Marlene Champagne and her cherished sisters-in-law Claire Albee and Marsha Stillings

Marie dedicated more than 20 years of service to Rich's Department Store, where she delighted in using her employee discount to stock up on yarn and art supplies for her many creative projects. Her passion for the arts extended into the community, where she gave countless hours teaching art classes in Templeton, joyfully sharing her love for creativity with others. Marie's legacy lives on in every lovingly crocheted baby set, each carefully crafted marriage blanket, cozy pair of mittens, and hand-colored greeting card she designed. Her spirit remains present at the dinner table, in cherished memories, and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to call her their own.

Marie found joy in simple pleasures: the soothing rhythm of knitting and crocheting, the quiet challenge of puzzles, and the cheerful presence of cardinals perched outside her window. A fierce fan of Boston sports teams, she cheered with passion, never missing a game if she could help it. But above all, her heart belonged to her family-who knew her as strong, sassy, and endlessly full of life. She will be remembered for her quick wit, unwavering love, and the way she made everyone feel welcome with a warm smile and a bit of mischief in her eye.

Marie is survived by her eight children, Stan Meunier and his wife Kathy of Templeton, Denise Merriam of Gardner, Rhea Amidon and her husband Jim of Murrells Inlet, SC, Debbie Meunier of Charlotte, NC, Cindy Meunier and Joe Fontaine of Harpers Ferry, WV, Dean Meunier and his wife Brenda of Templeton, Laurie Lyons and her husband Paul of Phillipston, Steven Meunier and his wife Lisa of Summerville, SC. Along with her beloved children, Marie leaves behind a devoted circle of 16 grandchildren who brought her endless pride and joy: Shawn Meunier, Angie Berkey, Nathan Gotantas, Niki Watson, Erik Kangas, David King, Adam King, Chad King, Reece Meunier, Hannah Stymiest, Kira Rosengren, Amanda Favreau, Samantha Reyes, Demi Favreau, Corey Meunier, and Coral Horne. Her legacy continues to grow and flourish through her 28 great-grandchildren and two cherished great-great-grandchildren, each one a treasured chapter in the story of her life and love.

Marie is predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Eleanor (Mitchell) Blakely and her beloved step-mother Katherine Blakely who was such a big part of her life. She is also predeceased by her husband George Meunier, her brother Robert Blakely.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Heywood Wakefield Commons whose extraordinary care, compassion, and kindness meant the world to Marie and her loved ones. Your devotion and gentle presence brought comfort, dignity, and joy to her final years, and we will be forever grateful

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1 Forest Street Baldwinville, MA with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Heywood Wakefield Commons Activity Fund, 50 Pine Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of Marie E. Meunier.