Marie Lawler Aquadro ’45

Marie Elizabeth (Lawler) Aquadro, 93, passed away peacefully in Leeds, MA on November 21, 2020 with family at her side. Marie was born to the late George Edward and Genevieve (Swiatek) Lawler in Northampton, MA at Cooley Dickinson Hospital on March 16, 1927.
Marie grew up in Northampton, graduating from Northampton High School in 1944 and then the Northampton School for Girls in 1945. While at Northampton High School, she was on the Girls’ Basketball team and enjoyed special outings with friends. She then attended the Elms College, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Following graduation, she worked as a Phlebotomist at the New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, MA where she became the unofficial house expert at drawing blood from infants.
On September 3, 1951, Marie married Richard Conz Aquadro, her knight in shining armor and the love of her life. Marie and Richard started their family in the Boston area with their first three daughters before moving back to Northampton in 1954 and completing the family with a son and daughter. Marie enjoyed volunteering as a leader for her daughters’ Brownie troops and also as a member of the Hampshire Regional YMCA’s Board of Directors. Marie was a devout Catholic and incorporated her religion and the church into her daily life and that of her family. In 1970, she received the Pious Catholic award for her dedicated service as a CCD teacher. She was also an informed and passionate political participant and worked as a poll worker for over 20 years.
During her later years she cherished her time with Richard in New Smyrna Beach, FL where they had an open-door policy and would go months with guests rotating in and out. They valued the good meals they had there from Hot Dog Day at Dairy Queen to Burger Night at the Breakers, always with friends in tow.
Marie was an avid swimmer enjoying her swims at both the Hampshire Regional YMCA and the Northampton Country Club; this continued into her later years switching to water aerobics both in Northampton and in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. When not in the water, she could be found soaking in the sun, but never without her signature visor. From April through October, she watched her beloved Red Sox as often as she could.
Marie loved travelling. She and Richard travelled frequently when their children were grown both internationally and nationally visiting many countries and states. After Richard retired, they traveled across the country seeing amazing sites. They kept a travel log which she recently found and read. She enjoyed reminiscing about the trip with her children.
Marie was a life-long avid reader and it was not unusual for her to be reading two or three books at a time depending on which book was in which room, or whichever one was the lightest (in her later years, never hard cover – “too heavy”). She loved cooking and especially searching for new recipes to try out on her family. She became an exceptional cook, passing on her enthusiasm and talent to her children and grandchildren – and always made sure to critique where necessary. Everything was from scratch- “There will never be a boxed mix or meal in this house!” Marie also shared her love of bird watching with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many others. There was rarely a bird she couldn’t identify, and always made sure to educate everyone around her. She ensured the birds were well fed with her collection of bird feeders, and much to Richard’s dismay, found a way to please the rival squirrels and chipmunks with seed on the patio.
Marie loved her time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and often commented, no matter how long the visit, that she wished it were longer. She was always up to date on what was happening in the lives of her grandchildren and supported them unconditionally. She never missed a holiday, big or small, and ensured everyone received their cards filled with $2 bills and her classic “Guess Whoooo” signature for Halloween. We will miss her infamous eye rolls, diva-like personality, and her first-class taste. She will always be remembered through Sunday mimosas, eggs benedict, and butter pecan ice cream.
Marie is survived by her five children Elizabeth Kouri ’70 and husband Kevin of Naples, FLA, Alison Gleason and husband Daniel of Leeds, MA, Kimberly Sapienza and husband Thomas of Chelmsford, MA, Richard D. Aquadro and wife Sabra of Northampton, MA, Jennifer Egan and husband James of Walpole, MA. She has thirteen grandchildren: Kevin, Daniel, Kristen, Bryan, Aileen, Christine, Timothy, Courtney ’11, Andrew, Anthony ’15, Ania, Natalie ’17 and John. Seven great-grandchildren: Sapphire, Theodore, Declan, Parker, Genevieve, Elizabeth and Marie. She is also survived by her sister Patricia Brooks of Ellicott City, MD. She was predeceased by her true love and husband of 68 years, Richard Conz Aquadro ’47, and sister Virginia Lebeau.
We would like to thank all compassionate caregivers at O’Connell Home Care for the loving care they provided to Maire over the past year.
Calling hours for Marie will be Saturday November 28 from 9:30-11:30 AM. Due to the pandemic, masks are required for all guests, and physical distancing must be observed. Other services for Marie will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Elms College, 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA 01013, Shriners Hospitals for Children, 516 Crew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or The Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund, Daily Hampshire Gazette, P.O. Box 299, Northampton, MA, 01061.

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