Marie J. Gorman was a hometown treasure who graced our world with her charm and originality for over 92 years. On February 17, 2026, she peacefully passed into the arms of her loving God.

The oldest of three, born September 12, 1933 to Christopher and Fanny (DeMatteo) Bove, Marie lived most of her life in and for the Schenectady community she loved. She spoke fondly of growing up in a time of ponytails, Sinatra, neighborhood games, cheerleading, dances, and favorite beaus. She lived around the corner from her future husband, John, her brother's best friend, sweeping her front porch each time he walked by until he finally took notice.

Marie graduated from Draper High School and Mildred Elley Business School, then worked for GE. She married John in 1954 and moved with him to Syracuse. She continued working until their first child was born. After eight years and five children, they returned to their beloved Schenectady. When their seventh child was born, they found their dream home in the GE Plot. Marie loved that house and her warm presence made it the welcoming, iconic space it became for over five decades.

As a teen, Marie dreamed of Broadway stardom, journalistic acclaim, conquering the fashion world, and becoming a role model. And in her own unique way, she brought those dreams to life. When her youngest started kindergarten, Marie found her second calling, joining the ranks of Schenectady charitable givers.

Marie helped bring the St. Clare's Follies to town, fulfilling her 'Broadway' dreams, by singing and dancing her way to local stardom (at least in our eyes). She earned her journalistic chops designing and writing hundreds of newsletters. She was a fashionista, always dressed to the nines whether modeling for, or MC'ing at, fashion show fundraisers. The Medical Alliance, Red Hats, Proctors, Zonta, Schenectady Museum, Girls Inc., SAFE, Cancer Society, and Joan Nicole Prince Home are just a sampling of the 40+ Schenectady charities that Marie served with her endless energy, charisma, and creativity.

Marie was recognized for her leadership and received many awards, including Juliette Gordon Lowe Woman of Achievement, St. Clare's Spirit of Healing, Katherine S. Rozendaal Outstanding Civic Volunteer, YWCA Women of Vision, and NYS Legislative Award for Volunteerism. We admittedly stifled giggles at one award ceremony, listening to the incredibly long list of her volunteer engagements, wondering if she somehow cloned herself. We couldn't fathom how she donated so much time, yet was still a consistent presence at home and at the outrageous number of activities that we, and eventually her 25 grandchildren, were involved in.  We are awed and humbled by her ability to give her all to everyone who needed her.

Marie described her dedication to volunteerism in these words: "To be a volunteer is to not want to go to bed early because there is so much more to be done and it's so much fun…and to be happy and excited to wake up in the morning because there is always a job to accomplish and a challenge to meet and a cause to attend to. Each day is filled with wonderful new experiences." A role model indeed!

Above all, family was Marie's greatest passion. We are eternally grateful for her kind nature, her lessons of inclusiveness, and her positive example. She was the center around which we all orbited. She glowed with vitality and lit every room she entered. She was magnetic, highly respected, and deeply loved, possessing a warmth that quickly turned strangers into lifelong friends. She had an impeccable sense of style, known for her high heels, gorgeous hats, winning smile, and can-do attitude. She did everything with flair. Her grandchildren especially treasure the memories of her imaginative stories, delightful poems, and unending offers of food. She will be truly missed.

Welcoming her home are John, her loving husband of 70 years, her parents, her sister Sandy, her brother Johnny, and many beloved in-laws, relatives, and friends.

Those who remain and keep her close in our hearts include her children, Rick (Diana) Gorman, Kathy (Barry) Denison, Maureen Beebe, Eileen (Terrence) Donnelly, Kelly (Jack) Judge, Tim (Kathy) Gorman, and Christine (Chris) Molluso, 25 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 6 step-great-grandchildren, and cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A special thank you to the wonderful Kingsway Community caregivers and the Niskayuna Fresenius staff for their gentle care and unfailing kindness.

In memory of Marie, please consider giving your time or donation to a Schenectady charity.

Calling hours will be on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Gleason Funeral Home.  A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 2, at St. John the Evangelist Church, 810 Union St, Schenectady, followed by internment at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Condolence messages may be left at www.gleasonfuneralhomeinc.com