Marie Ann Harleston, a lifelong educator, social worker, and advocate for equity and civic engagement, was born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 30, 1929, to John and Ada Ruth Lombard. She devoted her life to public service, higher education, and the advancement of students and communities around the country.

Mrs. Harleston graduated from Cambridge High and Latin High School and went on to attend Howard University, where she met Bernard "Bernie" Harleston, whom she later married. Following her undergraduate studies, she returned to Boston and earned a Master of Science in Social Work from Boston University in 1953. In 1954, she married Mr. Harleston while he pursued doctoral studies at the University of Rochester, and she joined him in Rochester as he completed his degree.

In 1955, the couple relocated to Massachusetts after Dr. Harleston accepted a faculty position at Tufts University. Mrs. Harleston quickly became known for her dedication to community-based service. During this period, she also played a key role in the development and support of Tufts University's Upward Bound program, mentoring and advising students from underserved communities who participated in summer academic programs on campus. Her work helped prepare generations of students for college-level success and long-term educational achievement.

Mrs. Harleston was also actively involved in civic engagement initiatives, including the Boston chapter of the League of Women Voters, reflecting her commitment to voting rights and democratic participation.

In 1968, the Harlestons moved to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where Dr. Harleston became its President and Mrs. Harleston partnered with him in guiding the University through the challenging social and political climate of the nation. Drawing on her background in social work, she provided support and guidance to students engaged in campus activism, offering mentorship and assistance during a time of heightened national unrest.

The family returned to Massachusetts in 1970, where Mrs. Harleston joined the faculty of the Simmons College School of Social Work as Assistant Professor and Special Instructor in Field Work. She supervised graduate clinical training at the Roxbury Court Clinic, mentoring students working in community mental health, criminal justice, and social service settings. Her academic and clinical leadership contributed to the professional development of future social workers serving urban communities.

A resident of Lexington, Marie and Bernie were founding members of the Concerned Black Citizens of Lexington, an advocacy group committed to supporting diversity in the town. Mrs. Harleston later joined the Lexington Public School System, where she supported the district's METCO program and served as a guidance counselor at Estabrook Elementary School. In this role, she worked closely with students, families, and educators, focusing on student development, academic support, and family engagement. Her work in Lexington reflected her long-standing commitment to educational equity and student advocacy.

In 1981, the Harlestons moved to New York City when Dr. Harleston became President of the City College of New York. Mrs. Harleston accepted a guidance counseling position at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), where she supported students preparing to transition into four-year colleges within the CUNY system. She worked extensively with students navigating academic, financial, and personal challenges and was widely respected for her professionalism and dedication.

While in New York, Mrs. Harleston also became active in the founding New York Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, an organization established to promote leadership development, advocacy, and community empowerment among Black women and their families.

In 1992, Marie and Bernie Harleston returned to Massachusetts, where they became active members of Follen Church. Mrs. Harleston participated in covenant groups and community programs, maintaining a strong commitment to service and spiritual engagement. Following their move to Newbury Court in Concord, she remained closely connected to both the church and the broader community, continuing to foster relationships and participate in civic and social activities.

Throughout her life, Mrs. Harleston was known for her professionalism, integrity, and quiet leadership. Colleagues, students, and community members remember her as a thoughtful listener, dedicated mentor, and steady advocate for fairness and opportunity. Her career spanned higher education, public schools, social work, and community organizing, leaving a lasting impact on institutions and individuals alike.

Mrs. Harleston is survived by her husband, Bernard Harleston; her sons, David and Jeffrey Harleston; her daughter-in-law and Jeff's wife Maria Harleston; and her four grandchildren – Jasmine, Zachary, Chase and Kai. She is also survived by extended family members and a wide network of friends and colleagues throughout Massachusetts and beyond. Her legacy endures through the many students she mentored, the communities she served, and the family she cherished.