ALS / Lou Gehrig’s Disease lost its long battle with Maryann (Foley) Lussier, of Salem, NH, when she passed into glory on October 2nd, 2017. ALS’ strategy had been to break both her body and her spirit, but it was only successful on the first count. Maryann’s faith and spirit became stronger upon her diagnosis and overcame the torment her body experienced. Maryann’s victory was due in large part to her ability to show how much she loved her family and friends before she left them. Her diagnosis also allowed her surviving son Stephen Foley, his wife Paula Howard Foley, and their children Emma Foley and Colin Foley, the opportunity to pay her back for a lifetime of her care, concern, and love. Maryann left this world knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that her life mattered and that she was well loved. When ALS decided to take on Maryann, it didn’t realize that it would also have to fight her friends, neighbors, and extended family.

As her disease progressed her circle of influence expanded to include Lori Weaver of Goffstown, NH, her beloved fulltime caregiver and faithful friend, as well as a team of healthcare professionals who marveled over her strength and faith. As one of them said upon meeting Maryann and her family, “I think I’m going to learn something from you in this process.” Her life was a witness to redemptive suffering, strength, and endurance which dwarfed the impact of ALS on her body. She is currently free of pain, resting in the arms of her Savior, in the company of loved ones lost. Her ALS is nowhere to be found.

Because thousands of others are still battling with their ALS, she requests that friends and family make a donation in her name to Compassionate Care ALS (www.ccals.org), her partner in the fight, in lieu of flowers. She was blessed enough to receive plenty of flowers while she was here.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 5th, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079. A funeral Mass will be offered Friday, October 6th, at 10:30 AM in Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Road, Salem, NH 03079. Burial will follow the Mass at Pine Grove Cemetery, 329 Main Street, Salem, NH. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com

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