Marie Piraino, 1936–2026, loving wife and mother

Marie A. (Donovan) Piraino died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Massachusetts General Hospital after an illness. She was 89.

Marie was born May 25, 1936 in Boston, a daughter of the late Justin and Gertrude (Corkery) Donovan. A graduate of Mission High School she then earned her nursing degree from Lemuel Shattuck Hospital School of Nursing.

Marie was quiet by nature and she loved reading. She married James J. Piraino in St. Columbkille Church in Brighton on Jul. 18, 1970. She worked as a licensed practical nurse at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton and lastly at Marist Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

In addition to her husband of 55 years, Jim, she leaves her children, Maria Walazek (David Jr.) of Billerica and Joseph Piraino of Los Angeles, California; and her grandchildren, Gabriella and Justin Walazek. She was a sister of the late Justina Skehill.

Family and friends will honor and remember Marie’s life by gathering for an afternoon wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, Feb. 1 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Monday morning before leaving in procession to St. Jude’s Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham, where her funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.