Memories of Marie Ann Turley

In memory of

Marie Ann Turley

Boston, MA

April 10, 1949 - August 26, 2025

Apr 10, 1949 - Aug 26, 2025

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Tom Spriggs

Rest, please rest, in peace, Turtle.

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Tom Spriggs

John McDargh

Boston, MA, USA

On this anniversary of the passage into God of this remarkable friend, inspiring fellow citizen and member of the Ward 11 Democratic Committee I was reminded as I read the latest account of Donald Trump's assault on the rule of law of what Marie used to say to us: "don't just get angry, get organized!" Preach it, Sister! Thank you dear one for your great heartedness and deep sense of responsibility for the whole of the country.

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Arline Isaacson

Marie was a Force for Good. The world has lost a powerful advocate. Rest in Power, Marie. I’m sure you will. And may your memory be a blessing to all who knew you.

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Edward Burrows

Good Bye Marie. It was nice working with you

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Rebecca Barnes

Marie generously shared her knowledge of her communities whenever she believed it would be beneficial to her communities. She enlightened many people and grew the support for her communities.

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Clarke Fowler

1986

Ward 11 endorsement flier for the Democratic primary in September 1986

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Clarke Fowler

1987, West Roxbury, MA

Marie talking with Lisa Fowler's grandmother at Lisa and Clarke Fowler's wedding

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Clarke Fowler

I worked with Marie and other members of the Ward 11 Democratic Committee in the 1980s and ‘90s. As chair, she was the driving force behind our candidates’ nights, voter registration drives, literature drops, caucuses, and lobbying initiatives. She continued her unceasing efforts to move our state and country toward economic and social justice through the 2020s. Thank you, Marie.

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Mary Jean Howland

I met Marie at the College of New Rochelle my freshman year. Marie was my classmate's Kathleen's older sister, and was truly helpful to me. Marie's leadership and commitment to social justice made a deep impression, but it was her joy and kindness that I remember the most. Rest in peace dear friend.

Mary Jean Howland

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Mary Jean Howland

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Thomas O'Malley

To the Family and Friends of Marie Turley, my deepest condolences on the passsing of Marie.

Marie was a community organiser of the first order who advocated tirelessly for issues affecting the Jamaica Plain/Roxbury community, especially women's issues, housing, transportation and historic preservation.

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Stephen Lussier

Marie, you will be forever remembered, and deeply missed. Your dedication to community, friends, and family will always be treasured.

Rest in peace my friend. ❤️❤️❤️

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Karen A Robinson

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Karen A Robinson

2018, Fenway, Boston, MA, USA

Happy Birthday Marie Turley!! @ Fenway — with Marie Turley

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Comments:

Karen A Robinson

Marie came into my life at the DNC Convention in Philadelphia in 2016. After moving to Boston, she was my... Read more Marie came into my life at the DNC Convention in Philadelphia in 2016. After moving to Boston, she was my North Star. I asked... Read more Marie came into my life at the DNC Convention in Philadelphia... Read more

Mike Testa

The entire Testa family sends our deepest condolences to Marie’s family and extensive list of friends. We met in 1984 working on the Flynn inaugural then for ten years in the Mayor’s Office of Business and Cultural Development. Our last and saddest event together was a few years ago when we aided Rosemarie with her last wishes for her sad departure from us. I can’t remember all the times I drove to JP to get her home safely over the years during the Kerry, Kennedy, and Flynn era. RIP my colleague and friend.

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Meredith West

My first glimpse of Marie was in the Fall of 2000 at the Manchester, NH campaign HQ, rallying us volunteer door-knockers to get out the vote for Al Gore. I remember DNC chair/former Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell was there too, but Marie comfortably & commandingly shared the floor with him. Over the years it became clear what a tough, unwavering fighter Mighty Marie was for social justice & good government & also such a warmhearted, personable soul. My deepest condolences to Marie's family members & close friends. Boston was so blessed to have Marie help anchor our community in the best possible way, and it is our profound loss that we must say goodbye to such an outstanding role model & human being. Meredith West Jamaica Plain

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Jane Modoono

I am so sorry to hear about Marie’s passing. I, too, was a member of the class of 1971 at New Rochelle, and lived in Chelsea House with Marie. In fact my last conversation with Marie was about a CNR reunion. Marie was definitely one of a kind…smart, funny, committed, irreverent with a great sense of humor, and so loyal to her friends. She was committed to a vision of the world as it could be and worked tirelessly to make that happen. She will certainly be missed…

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Mary Jane Wilson-Bilik

1967

Marie and I have been dear friends since 1967, when we met at the College of New Rochelle. We marched and held a hunger strike to protest against the Vietnam War, were active in women’s issues and had long, wonderful ”what is the meaning of life” talks, usually over a bottle of wine. We have stayed soul mates ever since, with Marie acting like an aunt to my 2 now-grown sons, never failing to send them brownies every Christmas! She was a loving, kind, strong person committed to social justice with a flair for fun! Rest in peace, Marie.

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Mary Jane Wilson-Bilik

2013, The U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC, USA

Marie introducing Senator Warren to MJ and Marie’s niece

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Mary Jane Wilson-Bilik

2004, National Mall, Washington, DC, USA

Marie with The Bilik’s and friends at a 2004 NARAL march on the Mall in DC

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Susan Pranger

I first met Marie on the Orange line 20 years ago and was impressed by the way she immediately treated me like an old friend. Since then, we worked together on countless zoning and policy issues that affected our neighborhood - affordable housing, displacement, homelessness, addiction – all issues close to her heart. She challenged JP/Rox Neighborhood Alliance, the Housing Stabilization Committee, the Egleston Square Coalition and countless other official and unofficial groups to be more effective, through a deft combination of public outcry and personal behind the scenes advocacy. She carefully edited every letter and memo to be sure it made the right points and reached the right people. Yet I only saw the tip of the Marie iceberg – she was demanding, but gave everything she had; her friendship and influence spread in many directions and touched many people. My dining room table and the corner table at Evergreen seem oddly quiet without her compassionate and passionate presence.

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Peggy Wiesenberg

Chris Morrison

1988, 365 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY, USA

Chelsea House Reunion

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Mary Jean Howland

Comments:

Chris Morrison

Chelsea House was an educational community at the College of New Rochelle and students who participated were... Read more Chelsea House was an educational community at the College of New Rochelle and students who participated were from three classes... Read more Chelsea House was an educational community at the College... Read more

Liz Cremens

Marie,

Was for so many years always available to consult persons interested in getting involved or running for office. Lent her hand to so many campaigns and causes-- a true example of true patriot. May she rest in peace and my condolences to her family.

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