Marie J. (Noris) Colligan

Marie J. Colligan (Noris), passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, at the age of 95. Born on May 17, 1929, Marie's life was a testament to her loving, kind, and thoughtful nature—a legacy that will be fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Marie grew up in the warm embrace of her family, the daughter of the late Luigi and Afra Noris of Italy. She was a sister to the late Irene Noris and Guido Noris, both of whom shared in the  joy of her early years, filled with love and lasting memories in Mattappan, MA. 

Marie married the late Henry T. Colligan Jr. in 1950 and began a life founded on love, family and faith.

The loving mother of three, Marie is survived by her children: Henry T. Colligan III (and his late wife Lorraine) of Bourne, Laura M. Rich (and her husband Michael) of Middleboro, and Diane M. Colligan (and her husband David Conlin) of Milton. She passed on to them the importance of family values along with her love, strength, wisdom and perseverance.   

Marie's legacy is further carried by  her seven grandchildren: Henry T. Colligan IV and his wife Kasey, Jacquelyn Colligan, Charles Colligan and his wife Kathryn, Joseph Colligan and his wife Alyssa, Krystal Rich, Diana Fowler and her husband William, and Michael Rich Jr. and his wife Hailey. Her ten great-grandchildren—Keira, Charles, William, Jaxson, McKinley, Joseph, Josephine, Henry, Maddison, and Sam—who fulfilled her life with laughter and energy.  She relished in their achievements and growth while instilling in them the family values she held so dear.

Along with caring for the home, children and husband; Marie served with dedication as a cafeteria worker in the Milton Public Schools, where she was not just a familiar face to students but also a nurturing presence. Her co-workers and the many children whose lives she touched will remember her for her warmth and contagious smile. 

Marie was an active participant in her community -endlessly utilizing her sewing, knitting and baking skills to serve others. Marie took pride in knitting lap blankets for veterans up until the week she passed. She was a proud member of the Milton Women's Bowling League, and St Elizabeth’s Bowling League where her competitive spirit and camaraderie were challenged by her strong humility . Her commitment to service was evident in her role as an Assistant Brownie Troop Leader, where she helped guide young girls with patience and love. Marie's hobbies, which included knitting and crocheting, were another avenue for her creativity and her generous spirit, often gifting her creations to loved ones and friends.

Marie's life was a beautiful patchwork of the relationships she nurtured, the love she shared, and the kindness she spread. Her family was her greatest joy which included her “adopted or appointed” family members whom she devoted herself to with every fiber of her being. Her home was a haven of warmth, where laughter was shared, and memories were made.

As we say goodbye to Marie J. Colligan, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a woman profoundly loved. Her gentle nature, her unending generosity, and her ability to see the good in all will never be forgotten. Though she may have left this earthly realm, her spirit will forever reside in the hearts of those she touched.

It is with heavy hearts that they part with this extraordinary woman, yet they find comfort in the knowledge that her legacy is one of enduring love and that her memory will be eternally cherished.

Visiting hours at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home 326 Granite Ave Milton Friday December 6 from 8:30-9:30am.  Funeral Mass at St. Elizabeth Parish following visiting hours at 10:00am.  Burial to follow at Milton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of our mother's love of family, we ask that you keep your family close to your heart. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marie J. (Noris) Colligan, please visit our floral store.