Marie Una Pavilonis

Marie Una Pavilonis, nee Quinn, 90, of Durham, NC passed away on June 7th at home. Marie was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland to Robert and Mary Quinn and emigrated with her family to the United States in 1947. Settling in Newark and Kearney, NJ she attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Newark where she made lifelong friends. After graduation, Marie worked at the Hyatt Roller Bering facility where she met her future husband, Michael Anthony Pavilonis. Marie and Mike were married almost 40 years when he passed away in 1998. Following Mike’s passing, Marie moved to Durham, NC to live with her daughter, Helen. Marie made NC home and quickly adjusted to the beautiful weather and charm of southern culture. Marie was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and sister. She was a strong and resilient woman who demonstrated kindness and warmth along with a great sense of humor. She was devoted to her family and loved having them visit. She would start baking cookies weeks in advance to be sure she had enough treats for everyone. Marie enjoyed live music, particularly concerts and theater of all types from local productions to Broadway shows in New York. She also liked watching sporting events. Trained as a competitive Irish step dancer in Belfast, Marie still loved to tap her toes to the music even when she was no longer able to dance. Marie’s greatest joy was having her family around whether for large holiday gatherings or just a simple Sunday dinner. She was a devout member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Durham and especially loved the Holy Cross Gospel Choir, which for many years sang Christmas carols at her home and enjoyed her bountiful cookie offerings. Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Mike, sisters Joan and Kathleen, brother Brendan and parents, Mary and Robert. She is survived by her children, Michael and wife Mille, Lake Ariel, PA, Andrew Durham, NC, Tim and wife Brigid, East Greenwich, RI, and daughter Helen, with whom she lived in Durham, NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Quintin, Adam, Kyra, and Timothy Pavilonis and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on July 10th, and a celebration of life will be held at the family home on July 11th. The family wishes to extend great gratitude to UNC Hospice for their outstanding care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to UNC Hospice (https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/care-treatment/hospice/make-a-gift/) or Charles House (https://charleshouse.org) where Marie was an active participant during the past year.

Marie Una Pavilonis

December 21, 1935 - June 7, 2026