SCARBOROUGH, SOUTH PORTLAND and OLD TOWN – Mary Theresa (Akins) Secord passed away at home April 1, 2004, after a year-long illness. A member of the Penobscot Indian Nation, she was born March 15, 1933, on Indian Island, the daughter of Mildred Philomena Nelson of Indian Island, and Watie A. Akins (Cherokee) of Westville, Oklahoma. Mary graduated from John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor, Class of 1951, and graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in Portland, where she earned her R.N. and met the love of her life and future husband, Larry. After raising six children in South Portland, she worked as an R.N. in several nursing homes in the Portland area. Most recently she was employed by Filene’s department store in South Portland. She was a kind, loving and generous mother and loved each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in unique and special ways. She often helped to care for her grandchildren and other family members when needed. She especially loved going on cruises with her husband and in 2000 they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary at the restaurant in Portland, where they had held their wedding reception. All who knew Mary were touched by her quiet, gentle ways and her inner dignity and beauty. She was formerly active in the Maine Right to Life Committee and volunteered for many local causes throughout her life. For the past 10 years she enjoyed volunteering at the annual Native American festival in Bar Harbor, and other basket making events hosted by the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance. She is survived by her beloved husband of 49 years, Lawrence A. Secord Sr., who cared for her during her illness; five sons, Lawrence A. Secord Jr. and wife, Pam, of Naples, David A. Secord and wife, Kelly, of Otisfield, Thomas M. Secord and Allison, of South Portland, Martin E. Secord and wife, Robin, of Gorham, and Daniel P. Secord and fianc‚e, Pam, of South Portland; one daughter, Theresa K. Secord of Waterville; brothers, Watie Akins of Indian Island, Andrew Akins of Alabama, Michael Akins of Hawaii; sister, Anne Akins Wood of Auburn; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several stepgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins; and an aunt, Eunice Nelson-Baumann of Indian Island. She was predeceased by her parents. A Mass celebrating her life will be held 10 a.m. Monday, April 5, at St. Maximillian Kolbe Church in Scarborough with Fr. Morrison officiating. Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will be at the Scarborough Memorial Cemetery at a later date.