Marie F. (Murphy) Clausen-Corcoran

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Marie Frances (Murphy) Clausen-Corcoran, fondly known in her collegiate years as “Murph” and later as “Re”, a loving daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, Godmother, stepmother, sister, aunt, friend and retired teacher, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on September 20, 2024, in Harwich, MA. Born on May 28, 1935, in Boston, MA she was the cherished daughter of the late Michael and Veronica Murphy.

Marie was the beloved wife of the late Paul Clausen for 26 years (1960-1986) and the late Robert J. Corcoran for 26 years (1991-2017) and a loving mother to Mark Clausen and his wife Joanna, Jean Whittaker and her husband John, and Ann Bremser and her husband Dan. Marie was known simply as “Re” to many of her nieces and nephews, and most especially to her grandkids: Julie, Jackie, Michael, Caitlyn, Brendan, and Andrew "A.J." Her role extended to being a wonderful stepmother to Bob Corcoran, Jr. (wife Tracy), Gerry Corcoran (wife Deanne), and Mike Corcoran (wife Martha).  Marie was also a step-grandmother to Gerry Jr., Matt, Michael, Connor, Timmy, Christian, Casey, Caleigh and Molly. Marie was predeceased by her siblings Veronica Murphy, Evelyn Lane, Harry Murphy, and Claire Conlon.  Marie also leaves behind her much-loved nieces, nephews, relatives, caregivers and friends.

God was the center of Marie’s life and faith her foundation. Marie was a faithful servant of the Lord – attending daily mass, praying the rosary nightly, reading the bible and studying the gospel, serving as Eucharistic minister, teaching children the basic doctrines of their faith as a Religious Education teacher and always putting her trust in God. Marie would often say she was very grateful to God for the blessing of good health, good family, and providing a happy and rewarding life. 

Raised in Brighton, West Roxbury and Hull, Marie was a proud graduate of Notre Dame Academy. A recipient of a full academic scholarship to Emmanuel College, Marie earned a bachelor's degree in history and education. She was class president, representative, and secretary during her years at Emmanuel.  Attending Boston College Graduate School on a full fellowship, she earned her Master’s degree in Education in 1959 where she met her first husband, Paul.   Marie’s commitment to education and long 21-year career as a public schoolteacher, touched the lives of countless students in Canton and Norwood.

Marie’s enthusiasm to help others in the community and her ever-present wish to lend a hand included many activities.  She served as an interviewer for the Boston College Alumni Admissions Office, a member of BC’s Women’s Resource Center; a class agent for BC’s Alumni Association; member of the Emmanuel College Alumni Association; Education Committee lead and 45-year member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Leukemia Society of America volunteer, campaign worker for state representatives, a devout parishioner at St. Marys of the Hills in Milton, and St. Oscar Romero Church (formerly St. John’s Church, in Canton), where she served in many capacities serving the Lord. Marie proudly joined the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher, protectors of the Church in the Holy Land.

In 1986, Marie lost both her dear mother, Veronica, and her husband Paul after his battle with leukemia. Marie’s deep faith in God and inner strength helped her and her family move forward.  A few years later, Marie met Robert (Bob) Corcoran, and they married in 1991 residing in Milton for 26 years. They were blessed with good health and much leisure time to enjoy traveling, dining out, entertaining friends and spending time with family.

Marie had a passion for sports and music. An accomplished tennis player, she not only taught tennis lessons in Canton, but also taught her children the sport, a legacy they continue today. Her musical talents were expressed through her wonderful piano playing and joy for attending Tanglewood and Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts with her family.  She actively supported and participated in every MARJO Golf Tournament for 34 years encouraging and thanking everyone involved.  The ultimate competitor, Marie, loved challenging her grandchildren to a good game of tennis, ping pong, mini-golf, whiffle ball and H-O-R-S-E.  Marie's love for travel took her to many places, but she always held a special place in her heart for Cape Cod. There, at her home in Harwich, she loved sitting on the swing, relaxing on the deck, dining out, walking Red River Beach and hosting countless gatherings, creating memories that her family will treasure forever.

Marie was a FUN Mom. She enjoyed Brigham's hot fudge sundaes, Fanny Farmer caramels, Paul’s homemade fudge, "Clausen Specials," (Hawaiian Punch, ginger ale, and a dash of sugar) and Crescent Ridge coffee ice cream.  She was a favorite among all the neighborhood kids as she invented the ‘Cold Zebra Club’ driving Ann, Jean and Mark and their friends to Crescent Ridge for huge ice cream cones on hot summer days.  

In Marie’s last few years, she courageously battled Alzheimer’s disease. Through it all, she kept smiling, retaining her joyful personality, her love of music, and her faith. Marie will be remembered as a loving, kind, and faith-filled woman. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Cornerstone at Canton and Rosewood Manor for the exceptional care they provided Marie. Her life was a beautiful melody of faith, compassion, education, and joy that will resonate for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Marie’s memory to: The Cape Wellness Collaborative, 469B Station Avenue, Yarmouth, MA , or to The Ebert Lab, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA .

Visiting hours will be held at the Dockray and Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton on Thursday, September 26 from 4:00-8:00pm. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Oscar Romero Parish on Friday September 27 at 10am. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Canton.

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