Marianne P. Dearness, age 81, of Goffstown, NH passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at the Catholic Medical Center, after a duration of failing health.

Born on Christmas Eve, 1944, in Fitchburg, MA, she was the child of the late Cecile (Valliere) Lebel and William Mullen. Marianne graduated from St. Bernard’s High School and spent much of her life as a real estate paralegal for several title companies and later area law firms, where she created many friendships.

Beyond her professional career, she had a wonderful gift for many forms of arts and crafts, including ceramics, crocheting, embroidery, and painting, but mostly quilting! In the early years, she supported her family by participating in area Craft Fairs. She was a very generous woman who loved to 'gift' her skilled productions, her legacy preserved, through unique, customized quilts to the family members of all ages. She was a strong woman with a heart of gold --but always full of laughter.

Marianne is survived by her husband and friend, Peter Dearness, her sister, Rita Cloutier and sister-in-law, Betsy Mullen. Her children, Robert Harper, Scott Harper and Bonnie Gorman. Her grandchildren, Abigail, Connor, Meagan, Brendon and Zackary, nephews and nieces, Lawrence, Kathy, Mark and Katie. She is survived by Peter’s beloved children, Karen, Chris, Karl and by his seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

SERVICES: A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 11, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, in Manchester, NH. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boston Children’s Hospital, in memory of Marianne.

To view Marianne’s online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Manchester, NH.