WESTFIELD – 
Marie (Harding) Pignone of Westfield passed away on February 13 at The Governors Center with her family by her side after a long illness. Born in Northampton, MA to the late Robert and Lucille Harding, she was raised in Cortland, New York, and moved to Westfield during her teenage years. She graduated from Westfield High School in 1978, and attended Holyoke Community College. Marie worked in a variety of practices as a veterinary technician. She also enjoyed volunteering for animal rescue organizations, including The Humane Society and The Westfield Homeless Cat Project. She was a much loved wife and mother, and her favorite moments were those she spent with her family and friends. Marie was also a renowned blues performer. In the 1980s she was the lead vocalist for the band Marie and the Movers, a prominent blues band in the New England music scene. Marie was a unique and rare talent, noted predominantly for her Janis Joplin-style singing and infectious stage presence.
In addition to her parents, Marie was predeceased by her brother Robert. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 25 years Edward Pignone of Westfield, her son James Erwin Jr. of Holyoke, her sister Judith Prisby and husband Steve of Bow, NH, her sister Laura Biermann and husband Ken of North Andover, MA, her cherished nephew and nieces, along with her uncles, cousins, and friends. Services will be private and raucous at Marie’s request. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Westfield Homeless Cat Project, 1124 E Mountain Rd, Westfield, MA 01085.
