In Loving Memory of Marie Louise (Connolly) Gath Major
TEWKSBURY, MA – Marie Louise (Connolly) Gath Major, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and loyal friend, passed away surrounded by her loving and devoted family.
Raised in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, Marie was the cherished daughter of the late John E. and Elda (DelleDonne) Connolly.
A proud graduate of Tewksbury High School, Class of 1964, she carried a lifelong love for her hometown and built a life centered entirely on faith, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear.
On May 1, 1965, Marie married James Harold Gath, with whom she shared 14 years of building a family foundation raising their daughters Lisa and Donna. In 1993, she married Robert R. Major, with whom she shared a loving chapter in Tewksbury until his passing in 2004.
Above all titles, Marie was the proud, fiercely protective matriarch of her family. Her children and grandchildren were her entire universe. She spent years babysitting and nurturing all of her grandchildren, attending every sporting event, school performance, milestone, and celebration. To Marie, family was an active, everyday commitment. In her younger years some of her most treasured memories were created under the open skies, camping in Vermont with her family—surrounded by campfires, laughter, and the outdoors.
Marie possessed a rare,loyalty.
Her love shone with extraordinary brilliance in her role as "Nana" to her beloved late grandson, Brody. As Brody faced special needs, Marie was his fierce champion and steadfast protector. She made sure they never walked into an appointment, hospital visit, or care decision alone. She stood as a pillar of unwavering strength, providing hands-on love, dignity, and presence through every step of his journey.
When taking quiet moments for herself, Marie found immense joy in the pages of a good book. An avid reader, her favorite peaceful outings included browsing the aisles of the local library and spending hours at Barnes & Noble. She found peace near the ocean, cherishing the salt air, the sound of the waves, and the warmth of the beach.
Once you entered her life, you never left. Her heart held no expiration date on family, extending permanent love, open doors, and maternal warmth to Bob Rocco and his wife Beth, and Kevin Frontain.
Marie is now reunited in heaven with her beloved parents, John and Elda Connolly; her infant son, Joseph Gath; her deeply adored grandson, Brody Rocco; and her former husbands, James (Jimmy) Gath and Robert Major.
Her unyielding strength, grace, and vibrant legacy will live on through her devoted daughters: Lisa Gath Frontain of Tewksbury, MA, and Donna Gath and her husband John Marsh of Salem, NH.
She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, who were the pride of her life: Cody Frontain, Zach Frontain and his wife Lauren, Faith Rocco, Katelyn Frontain, and twin granddaughters Lauren Frontain and Lindsey Frontain.
She is also survived by her loving brothers, John “Jocko” Connolly and his wife Janice, and Billy Connolly and his partner Mary Hood; along with many adored nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends whose lives were forever brightened by her presence.
Memorial Donations:
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Marie's memory to organizations close to her heart:
• Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) Foundation(in honor of her beloved grandson, Brody Rocco) — CdLS USA Donation Page. www.cdlusa.org
• Brighton Hospice Massachusetts — 1234 Chestnut Street, Suite 101, Newton, MA 02464, in deep appreciation for the wonderful, compassionate care and comfort provided to Marie and her family
Calling hours are Wednesday, September 2nd, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury, followed by her Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main Street, Route 38, Tewksbury.
Interment will take place at a later date at Tewksbury Cemetery.