PORTLAND – Mary Agnes Otis, 91, of Yarmouth, died Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007, after a long illness. She was born Feb. 14, 1915, in Bangor, a daughter of Ellen Katherine Donohue) and Joseph Kelly. She graduated valedictorian of John Bapst Memorial High School, Class of 1931. She married Eldon P. Otis and together they had four sons. Mary taught in the Yarmouth schools for many years, mostly the sixth grade, teaching English and history. She was proud of earning her master’s degree when she was in her 50s, which was a reflection of her love of learning and her dedication to her craft. As a teacher she was known to run a tight ship and have a no nonsense approach. She valued education not only for her students, but also her family, as well and was proud of everyone’s success. Mary will be remembered as a well-respected woman ahead of her times. She was a matriarch in the truest sense of the word, providing a strong and stable presence for her family, with a balance of tenderness and toughness. She also had a dry wit that revealed itself with a twinkle in her eye. She will be remembered as a good mother who wanted the best for her children. Mary is survived by her son, John Otis and his wife, Lynda, of Florida; son, Richard Otis of Yarmouth; son, Stephen Otis and his wife, Kathleen, of Westbrook; three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Katherine Cousins of Falmouth and Anna Prescott of Bangor; as well as several nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Eldon P. Otis; her son, Donn Otis; and her grandson, Scott Andrew Otis. There will be a Mass of Christian burial 11 a.m. Wed-nesday, Jan. 31, at Sacred Heart Church, Main Street, Yarmouth, with Fr. Ray Picard officiating. Burial will be held after at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yarmouth and a reception will then be held in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth, ME 04096 or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814. Arrangements are under the care of Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth.
MARY OTIS
