DEMPSEY, Marie 98, died peacefully at her home on June 2 with family members at her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Verner "Bud" Dempsey and a resident of Lexington since 1951. She spent summers on Green Hill in Hull for sixty-five years. Marie was born in Dorchester, MA. She was predeceased by her sisters, A. Kathleen Daly and Margeurite Harahan, and her brother John J. Daly, Jr. A devoted and loving mother, Marie is survived by her children and their spouses: Stephen and Cheri Dempsey of Jamaica Plain, John Dempsey and Mary Scott of Brookline, Tom and Isabel Dempsey of Skopelos, Greece, David and Jean Dempsey of Montague, and Maria and Ken Gould of Houston, TX, 10 grandchildren (Amy, Brita, Ted, Kate, Sarah, Chris, Alison, Anneka, Jackson, and Miranda), 4 great grandchildren (Kahlin, Will, Caliandra, and Isabella) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Special mention should be made of Eliza Perez, Cristiane and Fabiane Fernandes, and Anne Mikell, skilled and compassionate care givers who, along with Marie's children, fulfilled her wish to stay in her home and to live her final years with engagement, vitality, humor and love. Marie grew up in Dorchester and Jamaica Plain. She graduated from Jamaica Plain High and The School of Applied and Domestic Arts. She taught in the Boston Public Schools before marrying Bud in 1943. Of her volunteer causes, she was probably proudest of her dedicated and knowledgeable service for many years at the Arnold Arboretum. Her life's work was to build communities: in her family, amongst her many friends, in her neighborhood, in her church, and with her fellow volunteers. She did this graciously, assiduously and openly. She was a "force" who was always happiest when she could bring people together. She grew communities as well - of flowers, trees, and vegetables. Marie was widely recognised, appreciated, and respected for her knowledge of how, what, where, and when to grow plants. The Lexington Garden Club recognized her work. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, June 11 at Sacred Heart Church, 21 Follen Rd. in Lexington at 10 am. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, June 10 at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd., LEXINGTON from 4 pm to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Building Fund, The Catholic Community in Lexington, 2001 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02421; Visiting Nurse and Community Health Hospice Care, 37 Broadway Arlington, MA 02474; or the charity of your choice