MARIANNE’S OBITUARY:
Marianne Meacham, passionate lawyer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, loving mother, and unbeatable force of a human, died on Sunday, February 26th, 2023 at her home in Somerville, Massachusetts. She was 66 years old.
Mare was an attorney extraordinaire,* a doggedly loyal friend, sister, and mother, and a reveler of life, love, and work. She devoted her life to justice, to the people of Massachusetts, and to her two children, Connor and Becca.
Born and raised in Virginia, she made her way to Boston in 1975 by way of Spain, London, and Illinois. After working as a unit coordinator at Mass General Hospital through law school, she graduated from Northeastern University School of Law in 1987 and began her career at the law firm of Bingham, Dana, and Gould, where she also served Greater Boston Legal Services for six months. In 1994, she moved to the Attorney General’s office. In 2001, Marianne was appointed General Counsel for the Department of Developmental Services, where she served 21 years providing support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
During this impressive career, Marianne managed the impossible balance: raising and championing her two children, steadfastly changing lives through her work, and being an amazing friend and sister to those around her. Her home in Somerville was a hub and safe-haven for friends and strangers alike: the door was always open, the pot was always on.
Marianne retired from DDS in May of 2022. In her newfound free time after a life of service, she enjoyed walking Fresh Pond with her adoring dog Canada and partner Jon, spending time with her new grandson, traveling, chatting endlessly with her daughter, and serving on the board of Lawyers Defending American Democracy. In December of 2022, she spoke on the phone to her previous assistant and right-hand at DDS, Maureen McSorley: “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life,” she proclaimed.
Mare was pre-deceased by her mother, Clarice Meacham, and is survived by her father, Robert Meacham, her children, Connor and Rebecca Ring, the love of her life, Jon Albano, her daughter-in-law Maria Arevalo Virgil, grandson Leo, siblings Nancy Meacham, Carol Nalli, David Meacham, Steven Meacham, and Thomas Meacham, her best friend Terri Tsagaris, and dozens of siblings-in-law, nieces, and nephews. Her death leaves a gaping hole in many lives, but her life counted for a lot of good.
Services were held Friday, March 3, 2023 in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville, Wake 3:00PM-6:00PM with Words of Remembrance from 6:00PM – 7:00PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
*Boston Globe, 1994