To the Editor:
The City of Lawrence lost a great friend and advocate. Marilda “Marie” Gosselin, a lifelong Lawrencian, deeply loved the city and constantly worked to improve its quality of life.
Marie served the City of Lawrence as the District F (South Lawrence East) Councilor for ten years. She transformed District F into District F(abulos)! Marie was the guest on the Hot Line Talk Radio Show many years ago, and its host, Ronnie Ford announced, “We have the councilor from District Fabulous here!” But Marie’s interests and concerns were not limited to her district. Marie cared about every district in Lawrence.
Marie was an outspoken and effective city councilor who was not hesitant to go against the tide. Marie participated in many patriotic events and was easily recognized in her colorful red, white and blue sweater. Marie supported the veterans and worked with Edward “Eddie” Anderson and former Lawrence Mayor Michael Sullivan for the restoration of the Veterans Memorial Stadium and had a long history of extensive involvement in civic and city affairs.
She served on many boards and committees and was an effective team member. She and her lifelong friend, Eileen O’Callaghan, organized many wonderful public events, two of which were the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Santa Parade. Spectators at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade watched delightedly as the beautiful Clydesdale horses trotted along Essex Street and enjoyed the clap-clap-clapping sounds of their hooves. Spectators eagerly awaited the view of the pair of llamas – one white and one brown – that Marie brought from Harmony Hill Farms in Groveland, MA.
Marie invited Rex Trailer, the star of the popular television program “Boom Town,” to participate in the 2001 Santa Parade. Spectators cheered and clapped excitedly as he traveled along the parade route. Marie performed with the Acting Out Theater Group, who presented a comedy “Lafferty’s Wake,” in which Marie played the role of the humorous “Sister Marie.” The audience, which included this letter writer, laughed uproariously. Marie supported my four years of efforts to begin a “Project Senior” program in Lawrence to assist low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners with home repairs.
Marie was a generous person who performed many acts of kindness. She chartered a bus for a day trip to Foxwoods Casino. Everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed a delicious buffet meal, interesting conversation and the scenery. We both took many photographs.
Marie was a St. Mary High School girl, but it made no difference to her if a girl was a Lawrence High School girl. Marie was an excellent golfer, and her scores were always above par. But to her, everyone was on an equal par. Marie was the first “Lady Agent” at Met Life Insurance, where she was employed for forty years. However, she never let her employment longevity define her. She worked not only for her employer for forty years, but also for the citizens of the City of Lawrence for forty years!
Having been raised in the Essex Street Projects, proved that one who is raised in projects can become a responsible, successful citizen. “She made the city a better place,” former Lawrence Mayor Michael Sullivan rightly said about Marie, whose campaign slogan was, “Working hard for you.”
We will always remember Marilda “Marie” Gosselin. And the best way to remember her is to work hard to keep the City of Lawrence a better place.
Lindy Galland
Lawrence
