MARY SAUNDERS FARRAR

BANGOR – Mary Saunders Farrar, 85, died Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, of Alzheimer’s disease at a Bangor health care facility. She was born March 29, 1924, in Bangor, the daughter of Ralph and Josephine Farrar. Mary was a 1942 graduate of Bangor High School, where she was active in the drama and ski clubs, debate team and basketball. As an avid Girl Scout she became a senior counselor, waterfront director and a Junior Maine Guide at Camp Natarswi Girl Scout Camp. Mary graduated from Wheelock College, Boston, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education and art. While there she was president of both the student drama club and student government. Subsequently she earned a Master of Education degree at the University of Maine, Orono. Mary’s 35-year career in education consisted of teaching either kindergarten or first grade in New York and Connecticut. After retiring from Connecticut she returned to Bangor, where she taught for several years at Hilltop School. Mary was a creative, artistic, articulate and talented teacher who loved and dedicated herself to her students. Mary enjoyed her vegetable gardens and pets wherever she lived, and her home in Bangor and camp at Green Lake, both of which she designed. “Auntie,” as her license plate proclaimed, was a unique person who was loved and respected by her family. Survivors include her brother, John Farrar and his wife, Barbara, of Gorham; Mary’s longtime, dear friend and companion, Eunice Bemis of Bangor; nephew, Robert Farrar and wife, Bonnie and their children, Kristen and Michael, of Bangor; nephew, David Farrar and wife, Kim and their children, Benjamin and Julianne, of Gorham; half brother, Ralph Farrar Jr. and wife, Janice and family of Lamoine; half sister, Ann Farrar Budway and husband, Edward and family of Scarborough; and cousins, Markham Gartley of Westbrook and Joseph Gartley of Florida. Funeral services will be held noon Thursday, Sept. 24, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, with the Rev. Canon Mary Ann Taylor and the Venerable Tom Benson, Archdeacon, from St. John’s Episcopal Church, Bangor, officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to call 11 a.m. until the time of service Thursday. Burial will be afterward at Oak Hill Cemetery, Brewer. Donations in her memory may be made to Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401, Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St., Bangor, ME 04401 or Girl Scouts of Maine, 156 North Main St., Brewer, ME 04412.