WORCESTER, MA - Marion C. Harnois, 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Quaboag Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Center where she received compassionate care from all staff.  She leaves behind her loving nieces and nephews: William Harnois, Linda Pepin, Kathy Santos, Karen Mucha, Loretta Buelow, Diane Gervais, Robert Wingler, and Elaine Sibley. She is also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews, several cousins, and dear friends. Marion was predeceased by her brothers, Arthur Harnois, Clement Harnois, Alfred Harnois, and David Harnois; and her sisters, Jeanette Laplante, Cecilia Harnois, and Claire Wingler and her nephew James Harnois.

Born in Ware and raised in Hardwick, Massachusetts, Marion was the daughter of the late Edward and Edwardina (Bonin) Harnois. After graduating from high school, she attended St. Joseph's College, West Hartford, CT followed by University of Pittsburg, where she earned her doctorate degree. She co-authored numerous publications in biological research. Marion enjoyed a distinguished career as a research scientist with several pharmaceutical companies, a vocation that allowed her to travel extensively and live in various parts of the world. Among her most treasured experiences were the years she spent in Japan, where she developed a deep appreciation for the country's culture, traditions, and art.

She later worked as an Environmental Analyst for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection until her retirement. Following her professional career, Marion devoted herself to caring for her aging siblings, providing them with unwavering love and support. Marion had a lifelong passion for gardening and floral design. She enjoyed taking floral arranging classes at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill and took great pride in tending her gardens. After moving to her condo in Worcester, she cultivated a flourishing indoor collection of plants, including her cherished Christmas cacti.

A dedicated researcher, Marion spent many years tracing her family's genealogy, discovering the stories of ancestors who migrated from Canada to New England. She found great joy in preserving her family's history and sharing it with future generations. Marion spent her last three years in an assisted living facility Benchmark at Tatnuck Park where she received loving care from dedicated staff. Marion will be remembered for her intelligence, curiosity, independence, and devotion to her family. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

All are invited to calling hours on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 4:00-6:00pm at Varnum Funeral Home, 43 East Main Street, West Brookfield, MA 01585. Her funeral Mass is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:00am at Divin Mercy Parish, Saints Peter and Paul Church, 2267 Main Street, Three Rivers, Massachusetts 01080 followed by burial in St. Anne's Cemetery, Three Rivers, MA. Please go directly to church.

Memorial donations in Marion’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , 320 Nevada St, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or at www.alz.org