Marie L. Carbone

ALL SERVICES WILL TAKE PLACE IN EXETER, NH

EXETER, NH - Marie L. Carbone, 56, of Exeter, NH, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, on January 23, 2023, after an eight-year battle with cancer. She was the wife of Matthew Carbone and the mother of Justin and Alex Carbone; loving daughter of Wayne and Linda Joslin of Hudson, NH; sister to Michelle Joslin, Methuen, MA; Stephanie and Bob Roderick, Hudson, NH; Kelly and Chris Thellen of Amherst, NH; and adoring aunt to several nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Marie was born January 16, 1967 in Boston, Massachusetts. Life started in Boston’s “South End” in the same neighborhood her parents grew up in. The young family soon found their way to a multigenerational “triple decker” house in Somerville, MA which would become home for the rest of her childhood and teenage years. Marie was a city girl at heart. Summer days were filled with Richie’s slush at Tony’s corner store and time spent playing school-yard games such as four-square and paddle tennis. She also enjoyed many family vacations with her parents and three younger sisters. They would travel to her aunt and uncle’s house, the “round-house” at Lake Winnipesaukee, and to Disney World in Florida. Marie graduated from Somerville High School in 1985 where she was a hockey cheerleader. She worked her summers for her father at the Albany Sandwich Shop in the South End of Boston. During this time, she enjoyed many close friendships, often talking throughout the night on her own personal telephone.

Marie attended Northeastern University where she graduated in 1990 with a degree in criminal justice. While at NU, she worked for the Massachusetts Governor’s Alliance Against Drugs as a co-op student.  It was at Northeastern that she met some of her closest lifelong friends, including her husband, Matt.

Matt and Marie married in October 1993, and first lived in the Carol Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. They were surrounded by their favorite eateries such as Nino’s Pizzeria, Marco Polo Restaurant, Cammareri Brother’s, and Mazzola’s Bakeries, as well as friends from Northeastern who also lived in the same neighborhood. They would return to visit this area over the years, in combination to visit Broadway and see Marie’s favorite show, Les Miserables. The couple later moved to Rockland County, New City, NY, while anticipating the start of a family, and purchased their first home. During her NY years, Marie worked for the Direct Marketing Association in midtown Manhattan as an event coordinator. 

In 1997, they moved to Prince William County, Woodbridge, VA and bought a townhouse directly next door to one of her former Manhattan coworkers. She soon gave birth to her two sons, Justin and Alex. Marie loved being a mom and spending time at home to raise them. She enjoyed the coziness of her Westridge neighborhood that sported a community pool, playground, and many woodsy walkways. It was a busy time sharing the joys of loving two young children with friends and family, both near and far. Her brother in-law, sister in-law, and a dear friend from her Northeastern co-op days, also lived in the Virginia area with their young families. It was a delight for Marie to watch all the kids play and grow.

During the summer of 2001, the family returned to New England where they planted roots in Exeter, NH. Marie organized schooling, athletic activities, medical appointments, and cooked homemade family meals. School vacations were spent at their second home in Freedom, NH, swimming at Ossipee Lake and skiing at King Pine. Much of her life revolved around her children as they rose through the Exeter school system. The parents she met in their athletic and academic peer groups would turn into friendships that would last a lifetime. She was a proud volunteer and supporter of Exeter Junior Baseball and Exeter Youth Soccer, and later the soccer and track and field boosters at Exeter High School. She wanted the best for her kids, always giving love and encouragement while emphasizing hard work and a strong sense of values. She was present in the house when the kids’ friends visited and enjoyed watching them grow up together, listening to their aspirations and providing words of encouragement for years to come. 

It wasn’t long after arriving in Exeter that Marie started volunteering in her children’s classrooms at Main Street School and then landed a job as a Literacy Aide teaching first grade students to read. Marie LOVED teaching the children of Exeter for over 15 years. She worked behind the scenes with the local cable TV children’s book series starring “Crocker the Crocodile” and her lovely creator. She also volunteered for after school enrichment and was always there to cheer on young runners at “Get Fit in May” 5K and fun runs. 

Everywhere Marie went she found a close network of friends she loved spending time with. She had the groups she met through her children’s athletics. She had her friends in her Exeter neighborhood who she enjoyed seeing around town or at a planned outing. She also attended monthly book-club gatherings, a tradition that lasted 20 years. This group of ladies held a special place in her heart, especially with their video rendition of “Mama Marie-a.” Work was no exception, and her family of Main Street School educators, particularly her “gal-pals,” provided endless joy both inside and outside of the classroom. 

When Marie was diagnosed with cancer, it was this support-system of friends and family that were faithfully present throughout her eight-year journey. Marie always proceeded forward with strength, perseverance, and dignity. Not surprisingly, she fostered many relationships with her nurses, nurse practitioners, doctors, and staff who cared for her along the way. She took an interest in hearing of their family milestones and celebrating their marriages, new babies, new homes, and new careers with them. Marie received exceptional care from Exeter Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Rockingham Visiting Nurses, Beacon Hospice and Hyder Family Hospice House. In addition to conventional cancer treatments, she also participated in an immunotherapy clinical trial which helped extend her life. With the help of many, she accomplished her wish of seeing both her boys graduate from high school and college.  

Marie’s warm personality was best under the sun. She loved gardening in the spring and summer time, watching the birds dance in the backyard, and sipping a tropical drink poolside or on the warm sands of Marco Island, Florida. Her energy was reflected in her dancing and love of music at Zumba class or at the weddings of family and friends. Some of her most treasured moments were connecting with local family members at birthdays, holidays, athletic events, performances, and graduations; usually associated with her numerous and beloved nieces and nephews. Marie also cherished the affectionate role as a family “outlaw” (in-law) and enjoyed the kinship of this unique family club with the eight original spouses who married into the Carbone family, along with the younger ones who subsequently followed. Most of all, Marie loved her friends and family. She will be greatly missed.   

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 27, in the Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine Street, Exeter, NH from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, in St. Michael Church, 9 Lincoln Street, Exeter, NH at 9:00 AM. Please meet directly at the church. Interment will follow in Exeter Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the above organizations that helped Marie along her journey. 

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