Marie B. (Curran) McCrohon

Shrewsbury - Marie B. McCrohon is lovingly remembered by her family as a gentle, unassuming, kindhearted beauty who moved through life with quiet grace. Always ready with a kind word, a sweet smile, and unwavering encouragement, she supported her family with a deep and steadfast love. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue their passions and delighted in each of their accomplishments. She stood by them with love, comfort, and thoughtful advice they could always rely on.

Marie died Thursday, September 3, 2026 in her daughter’s home in Winchendon surrounded by her family. She was 90.

Marie B. Curran was born on May 11, 1936, in Worcester, the daughter of the late James and Margaret (O’Brien) Curran. Raised on Upsala Street in the Vernon Hill neighborhood, she graduated from Classical High School in 1954. She had a wonderful home filled with extended family, which enabled her to learn from her mother and grandmother, especially in the kitchen and sewing room.

Marie often recalled how close she was with her sisters and many cousins and how she and sister Barbara loved babysitting the others. Winters meant sledding at Vernon Hill Park; summers meant trips to Revere Beach. It was in that same tight-knit Vernon Hill neighborhood where she met Jimmy McCrohon. In time, his persistence won her over, and she waited for him to return from the Marine Corps to marry at Ascension Church on December 28, 1957, sharing 64 years of marriage until Jim’s passing in 2021.

Shrewsbury became home in 1965, and they enjoyed a wonderful, close-knit neighborhood. She loved raising her family there, and it remained her home for life. Saint Mary’s Parish was her spiritual home, where she taught in the CCD program and volunteered in many other capacities.

In addition to raising her children, Marie was very proud to later go to Quinsig College in 1991 and began working as a dietary aide at Hahnemann Hospital. Her love of food and her desire to help sick people brought her tremendous job satisfaction. True to her heritage, she cherished all things Irish. Jimmy played in the once familiar Jug O’ Punch Band, and Marie delighted in the music, the gatherings, and the friendships formed along the way. She and Jim “Maxi” took several trips to Ireland, especially to Counties Kerry and Sligo, exploring their roots and discovering relatives there.

Quiet and intellectual by nature, Marie loved to read and to learn. She defined the word homemaker. There was always a new recipe to clip, and she was gifted with sewing and knitting, making clothes for her kids and beautiful Irish sweaters for her grandkids. Every holiday was meant to be celebrated with little gifts for the kids, wonderful food, and lovely flowers, home decorations and traditions.

In addition to her beloved husband, James J. 'Maxi' McCrohon (January 9, 2021) she was predeceased by her sisters, Margaret Piasecki, Phyllis May, and in-laws, Madeline and Fernando ‘Chico’ Figueras and Ronald McCrohon.

She leaves her children, James M. ‘J’ McCrohon (Brian Stachowiak) of Winchendon and Los Angeles, Kathy Ann McCrohon of Petersham and Mary Lee Harrington (John) of Winchendon; her grandchildren, Jon Harrington (Samantha Howson), James Harrington (Claire), Patrick Harrington (Alia), Greg Kasper, Bridget Gale (Jason) and Garrett Kasper; her great-grandchildren, Giana, Sadie, Piper, Rocky, Vivian and Holly; her sister, Barbara Morin (Raymond) of Sterling; her brother-in-law, Richard Piasecki of New York City; nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends will honor Marie's life by gathering for a Morning Wake on Saturday, September 12th from 10 to 11 a.m. in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury, followed by her funeral Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Saint John's Food for the Poor Program, 20 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604 or https://www.stjohnsfoodforthepoor.org/about

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.