Mary Louise (Bresnahan) Fowler

Marylou Bresnahan Fowler, 79, died Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at the Country Center for Health & Rehabilitation in Newburyport after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born on August 28, 1939 in Newburyport to the late Thomas and Catharine (Donahue) Bresnahan. She was raised and educated in Newburyport, MA.

Following her graduation from Newburyport High School, she graduated from Regis College. After a stint in government in Washington D.C. she returned home to teach history at Newburyport High School. She later received a Masters in Colonial History from the University of New Hampshire.

Marylou was a woman of many passions: an avid reader, an inspired cook and an enthusiastic fan of the New England Patriots, even when they were terrible. She was devoted to her family and used her photography hobby to meticulously document her husband’s, children’s and grandchildren’s lives. A political junkie to the core, nothing made her happier than sparring with family members over the politics of the day. NPR was her constant companion. Proud that her ancestors hailed from "Ballyvourney, back of the bridge," she loved all things Irish. 

A few memories of her stamped in all our minds will be her sitting with a book, a cup of Irish tea at her fingertips, listening to classical music, or happily sitting in the front of the canoe (not paddling!) for her nightly paddles with her husband, “Dick,” in Lakehurst.

Marylou is survived by her husband of 51 years, Dr. Ralph R. Fowler, her children, Kristen Fowler Lindsey and Dr. Thomas Fowler, daughter-in-law Kimberly Gosen Fowler, her grandchildren Anastasia Fowler, Emilia Fowler, Ronan Fowler, Tessa Lindsey, and Mairin Fowler, her sisters-in-law, Kay Bresnahan and Sheela Hickman, and many beloved nieces and nephews as well as her dearest friend since 5th grade, Ellen Kelleher Guillette. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her siblings Francis T. Bresnahan, Ruth Bresnahan McAleer, and Eleanor Maloney as well as her dear canine companions, Blarney and Mollie.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm and/or attend Marylou's Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. on Friday December 14, 2018 at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. Parking available behind the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, also in Newburyport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Marylou’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association online or by mail to: Alzheimer’s Association - MA/NH Chapter 309 Waverley Oaks Road Waltham, MA 02452.

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