Marielle Aimée Magnant's Obituary
Marielle Aimée Magnant, née Dufour, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, died peacefully of natural causes on April 23, 2023 at the age of 93 at Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers, Florida with family at her side. Marielle was born on September 24, 1929 in New Bedford, Massachusetts to Wilbrod and Anne Marie Dufour. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Dr. George Magnant, and their 8 children: Céleste Johnson (Ken), Charles Magnant (Anne), Colette Magnant (Dave), Renée Magnant (Evan), Joseph Magnant (Patty), Aimée Christian (Ben), Nicole Miller (Greg), and Annette Brenner (Doug). She is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her sister Jeanne d’Arc Bourassa (Raymond) and is survived by her two brothers, Donald Dufour (Muriel) and Gerard Ethier (Monika).
Marielle accomplished great things throughout her life. She attended Sacred Heart Academy in Fairhaven, Massachusetts where she excelled as a student. After graduating as the valedictorian of her class, she gained valuable experience working at the New Bedford Rayon Company. Marielle married George on May 30, 1951 and moved to Washington, DC where she briefly worked at the CIA in preparation for her career as a devoted wife, mother, and manager of George’s pediatric practice. Marielle and George retired to Fort Myers where she began her work as a political activist.
Marielle was a true Renaissance woman who lived life to the fullest. Her passion for travel took her to all corners of the United States and Europe where she gained an appreciation of other cultures. She also had an extensive art collection and particularly loved attending art and Persian rug auctions. Marielle was an avid Broadway fan and knew all the lyrics to her favorite musicals. Marielle's love of political discourse ensured that she was always well informed in current events, and she worked tirelessly to imbue those around her with her conservative values.
Marielle was a devout Catholic, and her faith was the foundation of her life. She regularly attended mass, and she was an active participant in her local parish communities throughout her life. Marielle’s family brought joy and fulfillment to her life. Her children and grandchildren regularly sought her advice, and she was known for asking the tough questions. Marielle instilled the importance of education in her children and grandchildren. She was a motivator, encouraging them to be ambitious in their goals and to trust that, with hard work and perseverance, they could accomplish anything if they thought big and set their minds to it. Her unwavering love served as an inspiration to many, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Marielle’s family would like to acknowledge the medical staff at Larsen Health Center as well as the loving caretakers (Mimi, Mariette, and Michele) who were at her side during the last year of her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the George and Marielle Magnant Scholarship at Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts (www.assumption.edu/donate), Hillsdale College, or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
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