Marie Barone is the mother of Ray and Robert Barone and the wife of Frank Barone. She lives on Long Island, N.Y., and has generally earned a reputation as having spoiled her two sons. Still, she clearly favors Ray over Robert and that feeling of favoritism drives much of the underlying storyline between the two brothers and between Marie and Ray's wife Debra.Often showing up unannounced because she lives across the street, Marie constantly insults and manipulates Debra as she continues to coddle Ray as she has since he was young. Ray doesn't mind it so much, vaguely recognizing Marie's behavior as problematic but not really wanting to do anything about it.Marie is a proud housewife. She sees her role as something to be done well and she did. She is a good cook, keeps a tidy house and generally runs her home well -- all attributes that she does not see in Debra, who grew up in a well-of family and had a regular, full-time job before marrying Ray and having children -- and she does not hesitate to let Debra know this on a regular basis. Marie knows Ray won't stand up to her, and often takes advantage of this as she works to manipulate a situation to her liking.