Her Background
As a young girl Marie learned to cook from her parents, both of whom loved preparing and serving good food. Her father, Cosmo Pacetta, owned an Italian restaurant in New York City for 50 years, and Marie worked there in her teens as a waitress. Her mother, Thelma, of British descent, was a wonderful cook as well, and learned to master Italian cooking from her husband. At their home meals were celebrated: at a single meal they might have English specialties of Yorkshire pudding and roast beef together with Italian antipasto and pasta.

Marie attended Boston University where she earned a degree in Philosophy. After college Marie and a colleague opened a restaurant called The Knife and Fork in Bradford, NH. Marie says that customers sought especially the bread baskets and pies, but some patrons would argue it was for the eggplant parmagiana, a dish new to Bradford, NH at the time!

Career
Marie spent several years as a publisher in Florida, owning a publishing business and specializing in tourist publications, magazines and papers throughout the state. After selling the publications, she returned to New Hampshire and has been most recently publishing real estate guides. Always with a touch of humor and lots of informality, Marie realized that the thread throughout her life is a passion for people, cooking and entertaining. "I go into the kitchen, pick up a knife and an onion, and I'm relaxed," she says.

Marie on telvision
Marie's television career began as a result of her participation in a drive to raise funds for her town's new Community Center. Many viewers of her first local appearance encouraged her to continue so she started Live a Little, a TV show with food, guests, and central New England features. Marie says that Live a Little is a good title, because it represents the breadth of the New England lifestyle.

Friends who know Marie well say she has found her natural calling because she loves to cook, entertain, and meet new people.