MARY A. MASSIE

WARREN – Mary A. Massie, 80, died Monday, May 2, 2005, surrounded by her family, at her home, after a long illness. Born in Thomaston, May 3, 1924, she was one of six children of Newell and Josephine Mitchell McLain. She was a 1943 graduate of Thomaston High School. Her first employment was with New England Telephone and Telegraph in their Thomaston office. She later worked at Senter-Cranes in Rockland. While working at that store, she met her future husband, Carl Perry of Warren. They were married in Thomaston, June 27, 1946. They resided on the Perry Homestead in Warren until moving into the new Western Road home they built in 1958. In the early 1960s, with her husband she opened Norge Laundry and Dry Cleaning Village in the Maverick Street Plaza, Rockland. They also owned and operated the Norge Village Laundry in Camden. Mary made all the pies she sold at the lunch counter which was part of Norge Village in Rockland. Mr. Perry died in 1983. On Sept. 25, 1986, she married George J. Massie, who was a longtime friend of the Perry family. The couple continued to make their home at Mrs. Massie’s Western Road home. Mrs. Massie personally designed an addition to their home. A creatively artistic woman, Mrs. Massie was devoted to her family. Her family stated that she was a wonderful cook; was always accomplishing five tasks at the same time, but particularly enjoyed quilting. Always interested in the accomplishments of other quilters, she preferred working independently and completed more than 90 quilts, including her most admired crazy quilts that were hand embroidered on each individual piece of silks and velvets with scenes of nature around her home which captivated the onlooker to want to explore every portion in awe and admiration. She was a member of the Maine Quilters Guild and a past member of Warren Lady Lions. Other than her first husband in 1983, Mrs. Massie was predeceased by one son, Carl A. “Skip” Perry, Feb. 6, 1991. She is survived by her devoted husband, of 18 years, George J. Massie of Warren; three daughters and their husbands, Carolyn A. Copeland and Rodney of Warren, Cynthia A. Neil and Larry of Friendship, Cathleen A. Studley and Russell of Union; one brother, Newell McLain and his wife, Arlene of Rockland; one sister, Helen Hooper and her husband, Robert of Oakland; nine grandchildren, Travis Perry, Candra Hopkins, Ian Perry, Richard Neal, Seth Neal, Trampus Copeland, Tara Copeland, Aaron Studley, Amber Studley; five great-grandchildren, Ruby and Mitchell Hopkins, Jacob, Matthew and Gabe Perry; as well several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2005 at Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland, where a celebration of Mrs. Massie’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2005. The Reverend Vernon Jordan will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bob Gagnon Cancer Care Center, care of Northeast Health, 22 White St., Rockland, ME 04841.