WOBURN - Marie "Cookie" Flannery (Baggett) passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28th, 2025 at the age of 66 after an extended battle with cancer, surrounded by family at the Care Dimensions Hospice House in
Lincoln.
A graduate of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital nursing program, she was an accomplished maternity nurse at Lahey Clinic and then Winchester Hospital for more than 30 years before transitioning into a reiki practitioner and exploring her spirituality. She volunteered extensively as a hospice nurse, and was an active member of the Woburn Welcomes community and the Woburn United Methodist Church. She was also the published author of several poems, and self-published her children’s book "When Peace Rains". For many years, she loved playing in a pickup Sunday Night Soccer league where she earned the nickname "Marta,” priding herself in catching more experienced players off guard when they underestimated her abilities.
Her soul always seemed much bigger than her body, and she accomplished whatever she put her mind to, including traveling the world both with her family and solo. Her kindness and generosity touched countless lives, as she embodied the mantra "peace, love, joy” (“PLJ”) that she was so fond of. She never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion no matter how minor it may have seemed, and she ensured the holidays were memorable for her loved ones year after year. Food was a major part of these memories, including making homemade cookies and pasta with her family.
Marie fought her first battle with cancer in 2020 during the start of the COVID pandemic, and both during her treatment and her eventual remission, she managed to stay positive and connected in a time of isolation and uncertainty. When she was diagnosed with cancer again in December 2024, she persisted in finding moments of joy with friends, family, and her own passions for as long as she could before succumbing to the illness. Fully herself until her last breath, she never stopped thinking of others, even insisting on tipping the person who set up medical equipment for her home hospice. An incredible nurse to her core, she expertly guided her family in her own care.
While she rests in peace, her immense love and joy for others and for life itself, as well as everyday signs that remind us of her presence, will continue to surround and inspire us all. Per Marie's wishes, no wake or funeral will be held. A Christmas tree will be set up, where visitors will be welcome to hang ornaments in her memory.
Date: Sunday, December 7th
Time: 10am-7pm
Location: Outside the Flannery Home
Please refer to her Facebook page for any changes due to weather.
Donations can also be made to Dana-Farber at https://www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give