Mary Louise Dunlee

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Dunlee, 87, of Worcester, Massachusetts, formerly of Manchester, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on April 12, 1939, Mary Lou was the daughter of James F. and Evelyn (Whitston) Donohoe. After graduating from Lowell High School, she worked for New England Telephone for several years. Later, after raising her family, she returned to the workforce as office manager for Francis Broderick, DMD, where she happily remained until her retirement.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 53 years, George F. “Bud” Dunlee, in 2021. She is survived by her devoted daughters: Kathleen P. Dunlee and her husband, Todd Brooks of Worcester, Massachusetts; Eileen M. Carlton and her husband, Trevor of Hollis, New Hampshire; Carol A. Nicholas and her husband, Jeffrey of Manchester, New Hampshire; and Linda M. Haskell and her husband, Richard of Andover, Massachusetts.

She was a proud and loving Nana to her grandchildren, Andrew, Meghan, and Patrick Brooks; Jenna and Kayla Carlton; Aaron Nicholas; and Audrey and Kyle Haskell. She was predeceased by her grandson, Ryan Nicholas, and her only sibling, James F. Donohoe, Jr.

Family was at the center of Mary Lou’s world, followed closely by the many friendships she cultivated and cherished throughout her life. The memories created with family and friends were among her greatest treasures and remain among the many gifts she leaves behind.

Calling hours will be held at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire, on Tuesday, May 26, from 4:00-7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 144 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Compassionate Friends, Manchester Chapter https://tcfmanchester.org/, the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH https://hhhc.org/, or the Alzheimer’s Association.