Mary Ann (Passanisi) Doucette, peacefully took her rightful place in Heaven on Monday, September 25, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. She was 84 years of age. Mary was born in Cambridge, MA on May 18, 1933, daughter of the late Frances (Carnonico) Passanisi and John Passanisi. Mary was raised on "Bailey Road" in Somerville, MA and was a resident of Melrose, MA for 30 years. She lived in Stoneham, MA for the past 23 years, and was very happy to return to her condo during her remaining days. Mary's greatest gifts were her six children, 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. She cherished every moment spent with her family and never missed a graduation, birthday party, recital, concert, theater production, school play, game or anything that allowed her to show her pride for those she loved the most. One of Mary's most loved times of the year was Christmas; the celebrations, the food (Boopie and Artichokes!), the laughter, and most important, the gathering of all those she cherished in one place. Mary had numerous nieces and nephews who she adored and received so much joy in sharing stories of yesteryear. She will be greatly missed, but her impact will live on in the hearts of all those that knew her. Mary was an especially friendly, sociable and curious woman who could light up a room with her expressive eyes and warm smile. During her time in Stoneham, she made many longtime connections and dear friends. She enjoyed Friday night domino games with a special group of girlfriends, and remained forever friends with those from her church (past and present), as well as her dear and lifetime friendship with her "other Mary". True to her Italian heritage, Mary had a great sense of humor and had countless sayings or "diddies." Every plan was made around food, most every expression had at least one word in Italian and every feeling and emotion came back to love of family. For Mary, above all else, family was everything! She set an example of how to have strong morals, and good family values each and every day. Mary was a compassionate, caring, and kind-hearted woman. She was honest and exuded an outgoing nature that many people were drawn to. A natural matriarch, she welcomed all new additions to the family. Mary loved to travel and had the opportunity to cruise several times, as recently as a few months ago! She loved visiting new places, taking weekend trips with her children and enjoyed a dream trip to Hawaii many years ago. Mary worked for nearly 20 years in the Melrose School system, both as a lunch mother at the Franklin School, and in the cafeteria at the Melrose High School. In later years, she was charged with making lunches for the Melrose Middle School and developed many friendships that have lasted throughout the years. Mary was a devoted mother of Linda Doucette Rosa (Dan Rosa) of Lexington, MA; Lorraine Brown (John Brown) of Ochelata, OK; Steven Doucette (Leslie Doucette) of Melrose, MA; Lisa Doucette Walton (Scott Walton) of Methuen, MA; Joe Doucette of Haverhill, MA and John Doucette (Mary Doucette) of Melrose, MA. Loving Grandmother of Annie & Mike Rosa; Jennifer Brown & Christina Clem; Raquel, Steven & Nicholas Doucette; Savannah Bynum; Kevin McMillan, Danielle DelGreco & Michelle Doucette; and Nicole, Michael & Courtney Doucette. Cherished Great-Grandmother to Christopher Ryan & Skylar DelGreco, Ryder Baptista and Hayley, Braden and Colton Clem. Mary is survived by her brother, Dominic ("Nick") Passanisi of Boca Raton, FL and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was also the sister of the late Thomas Passanisi, Joseph Pass and Angelo Passanisi. The family would like to thank the staff, nurses and doctors at Lahey Medical Center and Lahey Hospice Service (VNA of Middlesex East) for the excellent care that Mary received in her last few weeks. Special thanks to Dr. Victoria Scanlan and Dr. Anthony Campagna for treating Mary like family. The kindness and compassion of so many individuals not only provided skilled and professional care to Mary, but also supported the family during a very difficult time. The family is eternally grateful. Visiting Hours will be held on Sun., Oct. 1, 2017 from 2-6 PM at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. Funeral Procession from the Gately Funeral Home on Mon., Oct. 2, 2017 at 8:45 AM followed by a 10 AM Funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Church, Stoneham. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Mary's memory to VNA of Middlesex East Hospice, 800 W. Cummings Park, Suite 5000, Woburn, MA 01801.