SOUTH THOMASTON – Mary J. Waterman, 58, died early Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006, surrounded by her family at her home after an extended illness. Mary was born May 28, 1947, at Knox Hospital in Rockland, to Roland and Iva Jewett Ware. She attended Rockland schools and graduated from Rockland District High School in 1965. Before graduating from Colby College with a bachelor of arts in Art History, she traveled to Salzburg, Austria to take part in the School of Foreign Service Summer Program sponsored by Georgetown University. During her summer semesters, she taught advanced riding with Skip Bartlett. In the early 70s, Mary worked at the Courier Gazette as a photographer and darkroom technician before accepting a position at the Bangor Daily News. There she ran the darkroom and later became a staff photographer. One of Mary’s proudest accomplishments was her solo flight in the 70s. In 1972, she moved to Virginia Beach, Va. to marry her high school sweetheart, Steven L. Waterman who was serving in the U.S. Navy. While there, she was employed as a graphic artist with Haynes Furniture Company. In 1977, Mary came home with her family. She and her husband established their business, Waterman Oceanics, a retail full service dive shop. Her commitment to the community began almost immediately. The public service of Mary Waterman has helped preserve the way of life in Knox County. Mary was a First responder for the South Thomaston Ambulance Service. She was a member of the South Thomaston Planning Board, and served as Chairman of the Knox County Budget Committee. She was elected to the MSAD No. 5 board of directors and served for 13 years, both as the chairman and chief negotiator. Mary was elected to the Mid Coast School of Technology board of directors, and served as chairman and chief negotiator as well. She once commented that it was easier to deal with the Mafia or Teamsters’ Union than negotiate with the Teachers’ Union. Mary represented South Thomaston on the Knox County Republican Committee. She served as delegate to the Republican State Convention in 1988 and 1990. Her volunteer work with the Freedom Riders Handicap Riding Program was also an area of accomplishment. Mary served as a dispatcher at Knox County Communications. In 2000, she completed the 100-hour course for reserve law enforcement officers at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. At the end of the year, Mary began work at the Knox County Airport as an agent for Colgan Air. She also worked as a Knox County Sheriff’s deputy at the airport. Mary was an educator, mentor and friend to many. Mary was always there in time of need or crisis, no matter who or what the situation. She will always be remembered for her unselfish acts of kindness. Her love of animals extended beyond her own horses, cats and dogs, as Mary frequently rescued others. No animal in need ever went without a home if she were involved. Mary was predeceased by her parents. She delegates authority to her husband, Steve. She is survived by her three daughters, Emily Dillon and husband, Pete, of Pearl City, Hawaii, Nellie Waterman and her husband, Zak Woodruff and Sarah Waterman of South Thomaston; son, Erik Waterman and wife, Jamie, of South Thomaston; two brothers, Dr. Roland G. Ware and wife, Norma, of Portland, John Ware and wife, Karen, of Owls Head; sister, Anna M. Harrington and husband, Leroy, of Spanaway, Wash.; four granddaughters, Sophia and Anja Dillon of Pearl City, Hawaii, Leah and Abby Waterman of South Thomaston; three nephews, two nieces and a countless number of friends worldwide. No services will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to City of Rockland Emergency Medical Services, care of Chief Charles Jordan Jr., 118 Park St., Rockland, ME 04841. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock, Rockland.
MARY J. WATERMAN
