Marie Regan, 1936–2026, Waltham and Lexington Public Schools teacher

Marie T. (Donahue) Regan, of Waltham, died Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Meadow Green Nursing Home in Waltham. She was 89.

Marie was born in Boston on Sept. 28, 1936, a daughter of the late Edward and Margaret (Skehan) Donahue, and was raised in Dorchester. Following her graduation from Notre Dame Academy she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Emmanuel College in Boston and her Master’s degree from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, both in Education.

A Waltham resident since 1961, Marie taught in the ESL Program at Waltham High School for several years and finished her teaching career with the Lexington Public Schools. A lifelong learner, she was an aficionado of Shakespeare and taught a course in that subject at Brandeis University in Waltham.

She and her family created many happy memories at their summer home in Poland, Maine and in retirement Marie enjoyed trips abroad with friends and an annual winter excursion with her close friend, Maura Leonard, to LaJolla, California. She also had a keen interest in reading, listening to classical and opera music and collecting fine art.

The wife of the late James F. Regan, she leaves her children, James Regan (Maureen) of Sunrise, Florida, Julie Reardon (J) of South Padre Island, Texas, Gregory Regan (Virginia) of Waltham, David Regan of Framingham, John Regan (Doreen) of Sanford, Maine, Paul Regan (Tracy) of Norfolk and Katherine Murphy (Jack) of Waltham; her grandchildren, Gregory, Patrick, John, Colin, Megan, Taylor, Evan, Erin and Elizabeth; her cousin, Stephen Hagan of Canton; and several nieces, nephews and their families.

Marie was also the sister of the late Edward Donahue.

Family and friends will honor and remember Marie’s life by gathering for an evening wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Tuesday, March 31 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and again at 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where her funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be private.