MARIE E. SCOTT

ATHENS – Marie E. Scott, 49, passed away Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at a Bangor hospital, after a long illness, with her husband, pastor and pastor’s wife by her side. She was born Nov. 7, 1959, in Skowhegan, the daughter of Rejean “Reggie” Gilbert and Betty (Thebarge) Gilbert. Marie fought a courageous seven-year battle with characinoid cancer. This cancer attacks the kidneys, liver and bones. Knowing that there was no known cure for this cancer, she underwent regular experimental treatments at Dana-Farber Hospital, Boston, where her contributions will add greatly to the future research of this cancer. She not only did this for herself, she did this for current and future patients with the same cancer. Marie’s sacrifice will not go without recognition; she had persevered this illness with a positive attitude throughout this ordeal. Even during her last remaining months of her life on Earth, she was always happy, positive and at peace with her condition. She was extremely brave, didn’t complain and certainly did not want anyone’s pity. She had dignity and strength to the end. Marie gave us all strength by making us feel good, no matter how tired or sick she felt. She accepted her condition and always took time to help us cope with her condition in special ways that she knew would make us feel better. To those that knew her, she touched us all and it will always be an honor knowing her. Marie grew up in Skowhegan, and graduated from Skowhegan Area High School, Class of 1978. She attended colleges in Denver and Laramie, Wyo. She was a very active member of Faith Baptist Church, Skowhegan. Her faith profoundly impacted her outlook on life. She was an active member of Athens Victory Club, greeting racers at the finish line of Farm to Farm 5K races in the summer. She loved the outside where she enjoyed bird hunting, deer hunting, camping, fishing and reading. She also enjoyed cross-country skiing, tending her vegetable garden, and spending time at the camp on Sibley Pond. Marie married Michael Scott, Aug. 12, 1989, in Skowhegan, where they resided with their son, Hunter in Athens. Marie worked at Cianbro Corp. for 22 years, where she met her husband, Michael. She worked in different locations and most recently in Pittsfield at the Shops and Yards facilities as a safety supervisor. Cianbro was very generous to the Scotts by providing them with a lot of support and understanding that Marie’s illness required. Again, her family is very appreciative for all that her co-workers have done.She is survived by her husband of 19 years, Michael Scott; and her 13-year-old son, Hunter Scott, both of Athens. She also has two stepchildren, Melanie Patkus and her husband, Brooks, of Jessup, Md., and Jacob Scott of Gainesville, Fla.; four stepgrandchildren, Aziah, Star, Jade and Emmie. Marie loved her family and family was very important to her. She will always be remembered by her mother, Betty Gilbert and friend, Bob Ames, of Skowhegan; her father, Reggie Gilbert and stepmother, Tina, of Skowhegan; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Norma and Brady Scott of Pittsfield; one brother, Steven Gilbert of Skowhegan; four sisters, Louise Ritter and her husband, Michael, of Connecticut, Lorraine Garcia and her husband, Steven, of Skowhegan, Talia Fitzpatrick and her husband, Adam, of Skowhegan, Rachelle Nunn and her husband, Brent, of Skowhegan; brother-in-law, Larry Scott and wife, Marjorie, of Athens; sisters-in-law, Wendy MacDonald and her husband, Kevin, of Belgrade, and Emily Scott and her husband, Jim Love, of Pittsfield; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Special friends that helped Marie are Pastor Steven Conley and his wife, Kathy, Christine Smith, and Maureen Johnson. The family expresses a sincere thanks to the doctors and staff of Dana-Farber Hospital and Eastern Maine Medical Center. Her family will always be grateful for all of your support. Visiting hours are to be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan. A celebration of Marie’s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Skowhegan Area High School Auditorium, West Front Street, Skowhegan, with Pastor Steve Conley officiating. Donations may be made in Marie’s memory to American Cancer Society, Northern New England Region, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086 or donations can be made online at www.cancer.org. To sign an online guest book, please visit www.mem.com.