EASTPORT – Mary Hilyard Bates, 95, passed away on the evening of Sunday, July 17, 2011, at her home with her family at her side. She was born Aug. 29, 1915, in Eastport, daughter of Annie M. (Collins) Hilyard and George T. Hilyard.
Educated in Eastport schools, Mary graduated from both Shead Memorial High School and Chelsea Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Chelsea, Mass. A Massachusetts and Maine registered nurse since 1937, she served during World War II in the surgical unit of the Army Air Force and later at Veterans Hospital – Togus. Mrs. Bates was a past member of Eastport Literary Round Table, American Legion, Eastport Memorial Auxiliary and later of Eastport Memorial Nursing Home Auxiliary. She was also a member of Central Congregational Church.
Survivors are four daughters, Mary M. Gilman, Julia A. Brilliott, both of Eastport, Rebecca L. Thibeault and Gerald Laffey, of Garland, and Susan H. Burby and her husband, Brian, of Glenburn; one brother, Thomas W. Hilyard of Pembroke; six grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, Jeffrey, Ben, Laura and Lucas; six great-grandchildren, Johnny, Keanu, Cory, Noah, Kaia and Hayden; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. James Bates; her mother and father; sisters, Lucille, Dora, Frances, Margaret, Fredda and Sylvina; and two brothers, George and Bill.
A graveside memorial service will be held 4 p.m.
July 23 at Brewer Cemetery, Number 3 Road, Robbinston. No flowers, please. Arrangements are in the care of Mays Funeral Home, Calais and Eastport. Condolences and memories may be shared at
www.maysfuneralhome.com.