Marie Anne Pulsifer

Marie was born in Waterville on April 14, 1937, the daughter of Wilfred and Florence (Poulin) Morissette. She was educated at Mt. Merici Academy and St. Francis DeSales after graduation she worked as a laboratory technician at Thayer Hospital.

In 1963, she married William (Bill) Pulsifer of Belgrade Lakes. Bill and Marie raised their daughters in the village, and for many years, Marie operated the Maine Made Shop adjacent to their home. They attended St. Helena Catholic Church in Belgrade and St. Joseph’s in Farmington, where Marie was a supporter of the warming center.

Marie was widely known for her service to her community. She helped launch the Belgrade Health Center and served as its interior designer when it opened. Recognizing the problem of food insecurity in the Belgrade area, Marie initiated the creation of a local food pantry, leading fundraising efforts and recruiting volunteers to keep it running. It remains active to this day.

Messalonskee families will remember that Marie never missed a game, meet, or event when her daughters and grandchildren were in school. She brought homemade baked goods, befriended players from other teams, learned the rules of each sport, and was usually right about her criticisms of the refs.

Marie was an excellent cook, baker, cake decorator, interior designer, florist, gardener, quilter, seamstress, and cottage businesswoman. She turned clothespins and popsicle sticks into beautiful handmade crafts and ornaments, which she sold for a while, then gave away just because it brought her joy. She was an avid reader, a quick wit, and a constant supporter of local fundraisers and benefit suppers. She cooked delicious meals for people going through difficult times, or just because she was thinking of them.

Every Christmas, Marie delighted friends and family with her elaborate Christmas village displays, which turned her living room into a magical wonderland. For many, stopping by the Pulsifers’ was a highlight of the holiday season, with Bill at the piano playing carols and Marie bringing out another plate of cookies.

Marie was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Wilena Monroe; a brother, Bill Morissette; and a daughter, Anne Marie Pulsifer.

She is survived by her beloved husband Bill, of Belgrade Lakes; a daughter, Louise Hogan, of Waterville; a brother and sister-in-law, James and Nancy Morissette, of Rhode Island; granddaughter Emily Hogan of Boston and grandson William Hogan, of Brisbane, Australia, both of whom she loved deeply and was incredibly proud of; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; godchildren; her late daughter’s partner, Ken Hochstetler; and too many friends and loved ones to count.

A memorial mass, interment, and reception in Belgrade Lakes will take place in summer 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Belgrade Food Pantry, Belgrade Fire Department, or Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter are welcome.