Marc J. Plourde

PLOURDE, Marc J. Of Winthrop, died on November 2, 2020 with his husband Chris by his side. Born on June 12th 1961 in Lowell, MA, he was the beloved son of the late Elaine C. (Giroux) and Joseph (Robert) Plourde. A resident of Winthrop since 1999, he was employed as an executive chef at The Red House in Harvard Square, Cambridge for the past 15 years.

Throughout his life he traveled extensively, and especially enjoyed doing so with his husband Chris. Together, they took in the culture and sites of over 26 Countries. His passion for food was often noted through his facial expressions as he spoke passionately of the various dishes they’d tried on their most recent trip. He was a wonderfully creative chef, who also enjoyed the simple traditions of food and what it said about the culture from which it came. He relished the simple pleasure of traditional family foods like a fresh tomato sandwich, home-made baked beans and franks, or Memere Irene’s Swedish tea ring at Christmas Eve. Marc truly enjoyed all aspects of food, including sharing recipes with his Aunt Lil, but most of all, he loved to share the event of a meal with those he held dear. He loved family traditions, especially holiday traditions which he absorbed from his Grandmothers Irene Plourde and Alice Giroux, the matriarchs of the family. He skillfully carried on such traditions as the Christmas manger village scene, decorating with traditional materials and of course putting up multiple intricately decorated Christmas trees each year donning Memere Plourde’s handcrafted ornaments. Marc and Memere Irene were truly of one mind when it came to all things Christmas!

Out of Marc’s love of tradition was born a real passion for history. Starting in early adulthood he became interested in various studies of the topic, especially European and early American history which was highlighted by his participation in revolutionary war reenactments during the Bicentennial celebrations in the 1970s where he frequently reenacted the role of a British battlefield fifer. He often incorporated his love of history and crafting things from scratch, such as the built-in bookcases he custom crafted for his historic home, or there is also the time he created a royal knights costume complete with helmet, shield and sword for his brother David who won the 2nd grade Halloween costume contest in a landslide.

Marc applied his love of history to carefully tracing the lineage on the Plourde and Giroux side of the family. In doing so, he proudly revealed each step, dating back several generations, turning the pages in the families rich French Canadian roots.

Marc is survived by his devoted husband Chris Shorrock, his loving sister Lisa Snyder and her husband Craig of Florida; his Brother David Plourde and his partner Stephanie Urquhart of New Hampshire; and many cherished Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Second Cousins, Nieces, and Nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the funeral home on Friday, November 6, 2020 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Committal will be private.

*Attendees must wear a face covering and practice social distancing in the funeral home*

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