BOSTON -- A crossing guard who suffered severe head injuries last week after being hit by a vehicle outside a school died Wednesday, Boston police said.

Crossing guard Marie Conley, 59, of Dorchester, was hit outside the Mathers Elementary School at Parish and Winter streets near Adams Park in Dorchester.

Read Conley Family Statement

"She was in the act of crossing a 10-year-old child. She had placed her hands up to stop the oncoming car, held off the child and was struck by the vehicle," said Boston Police Deputy Superintendent Tom Lee.

Police said the driver of the car was 86-year-old Anis Cazeau.

“We will pursue motor vehicle homicide charges against Cazeau," said Jake Wark, spokesman for Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley.

Cazeau had been involved in five other accidents since 1988, and has a number of motor-vehicle violations on his record.

Conley was a mother of four and eight-year veteran traffic supervisor.

"She will always be remembered for the joy and happiness that she brought to her children and grandchildren," her family said in a statement. "We would also like to state that our prayers go out to Mr. Cazeau and his family who are also dealing with this tragedy," the statement said.