Marie E. Rahall

Marie E. (Burke) Rahall, 96 passed away at Alliance (Coleman) in Northborough Saturday August 8, 2026. She was the wife of the late Edward F. Rahall. She grew up in Allston, Massachusetts, and lived a long and remarkable life filled with creativity, faith, family, and an unmistakable independent spirit.

Born in Cambridge, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary (McGrath) Burke. She was raised and educated in Allston and was a graduate of Girls High School. Marie also attended Northeastern University and Middlesex Community College.

Marie had a wide variety of interests and accomplishments throughout her life. A certified graphoanalyst and member of the International Graphoanalysis Society, she had a fascination with handwriting and the stories it could tell. She was a talented musician who loved playing the organ and piano, and an exceptionally creative and accomplished artist whose work was published in a national magazine. For many years, she also shared her talents as a writer, contributing a newspaper column to the Allston Citizen.

Her Catholic faith was at the center of Marie’s life and remained deeply important to her throughout her 96 years. Just as important was her family, and some of her happiest times were simply those spent with the people she loved around her.

Marie possessed a fierce independence and determination that stayed with her throughout her life. She continued working until the age of 90 and drove her beloved car until she was 93. She enjoyed day trips, never passed up the opportunity for ice cream, and found pleasure in both new adventures and life’s simple joys.

Born on the eve of a new year, Marie entered the world with a spirit that would define the life she went on to lead: creative, curious, determined, faithful, and entirely her own. She lived life her way, right until the end, and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

She is survived by her three children, Ann Noble of Groton, Susan McIver of Northborough and William Rahall and his wife, Suzanne, of Mashpee and Virginia Beach. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Jennifer Freitas and her husband Mike, Nathaniel Noble, Nicholas Rahall and his wife Anne and great-grandchildren, Aiden and Adrianna Freitas, Caleigh, Danielle and Kenzie Rahall.

A private funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Bernadette Church, 266 Main St., Northborough. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Brighton.

There are no calling hours. Donations can be made in her name to any Catholic charity.