Marilee Jane Wright

Marilee Jane Wright, age 79, of La Plata, Maryland, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at the Hospice of the Chesapeake. She was born in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin on September 25, 1946, to James (Jay) and Dolores Mathews. She grew up in Farmersburg, Iowa where her parents owned a local implement. She married Harlan Wright on December 7, 1968, and together they lived in National, IA then Springville, IA where they had two children, Matthew and Carrie. In 1982, work brought the Wrights to the east coast where they settled in Indian Head, Maryland. Marilee spent the next few years as a home maker, watching children in her home. Marilee was always active in her local Lutheran church, often as a part of Ladies’ Guild, alter attendants, choir and the Sunday School. She worked for Charles County Public Schools as a permanent substitute teacher, instructional assistant and Chapter One Aid. She went on to manage the Star of the Sea Daycare Center in Bryans Road for several years, then worked at several daycare centers in Waldorf and La Plata until her retirement in 2011. After retiring, she spent her days with her five grandchildren and visited with friends and former co-workers, often having lunches with the ladies from Indian Head Elementary School. She was an avid reader and enjoyed Scrabble and puzzles. She had a special place in her heart for animals, particularly all the dogs in her life over the years. Marilee is survived by her husband of 57 years, Harlan; and her children Matthew (Laura) Wright and Carrie (Richard) Holt; her five grandchildren: Mara, Elle, Matthew, Evelyn and James. She also survived by her brothers, James (Deborah) Mathews of Chicago, IL, Fred (Lisa) Mathews of Lansing, IA and brother-in-law Allan (Judy) Wright of National, IA. She had several nieces and nephews. Marilee was preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Dolores Mathews and her twin sister Marilou June Mathews. A Celebration of Life will be held at Raymond Funeral Service, P.A., 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646 on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with prayers at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Charles County Humane Society or Hospice of the Chesapeake in her honor.

Marilee Jane Wright

September 25, 1946 - May 6, 2026