OLD TOWN and CHARLESTON – Mary Ellen Wickett Cunningham, 54, died unexpectedly on Dec. 16, 2003, at a Bangor hospital. She was born Aug. 7, 1949, in Old Town, the daughter of Chester and Gertrude Wickett. Mary Ellen graduated from Old Town High School and received her master’s degree in consumer education from the University of Maine. She was manager and supplement buyer for the Natural Living Center in Bangor, a job that was her passion. She wrote a monthly column “The Natural Way” in The Maine Eagle Magazine. Formerly, Mary Ellen was a special collection librarian at Fogler Library, University of Maine, and worked at Penobscot County Cooperative Extension. Mary Ellen was a caring person, who loved life and knew how to stay young at heart. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, quilting, bargain hunting, traveling, cross-country skiing, biking, and her special weekly outings with her mother. Mary Ellen always had stacks of photos to share of her favorite project – Kevin’s hot rod. Kevin and Mary Ellen were clearly the best thing that ever happened to each other. Like a candle in the window, Mary Ellen radiated the welcoming comfort of happiness and laughter wherever she went. She will be deeply missed by her mother, Gertrude Wickett of Old Town; her fianc‚, Kevin McEwen of Charleston and his two daughters, Vanessa and Beth; her brothers and sisters, Donna and her husband, Ronald Holbrook, of Freeport, James and his wife, Mary Ellen, of Milford, Chester and his wife, Pauline, of Stamford, Conn., Michael and his wife, Cindi, of Old Town; nephews and nieces, Michael James, Chet, Stephen, Marty, Peter, John, Kathy, Laurie, Matthew, and David; special friends, Linda and Joseph Bryant and Margaret and Michael Dumont; extended family, and numerous friends and associates. Mary Ellen was predeceased by her father, Chester Wickett. A memorial mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at the Holy Family Parish, 429 Main St., Old Town, with the Rev. Normand P. Richards, pastor, celebrant. Relatives and friends are invited to share conversation and refreshments in the parish hall following the service. Gifts in Mary Ellen’s memory may be sent to the Shaw House, 136 Union St., Bangor 04401. A service of Brookings-Smith, Old Town Chapel, 205 Main St., Old Town.
MARY ELLEN WICKETT CUNNINGHAM
