BUCKSPORT – Mary L. Ward, 84, died Monday, April 23, 2012, at a Bangor hospital. She was born Aug. 22, 1927, in Sanford, the daughter of Aaron and Katherine (O’Riley) LaBree.
She graduated from Bucksport High School in 1945, the valedictorian of her class. Mary graduated from Fisher College in 1947. On Oct. 24, 1948, she married Leslie H. Ward, and they were married 54 years at the time of his death in 2002. Mary worked for many years as a secretary at St. Regis Paper Co., Bucksport. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; spending time with her family was a very important part of her life. Mary enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and knitting. She and Leslie spent 10 winters in Florida prior to Leslie’s death. She was a communicant of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and a member of the Ladies Group.
She is survived by and will be sadly missed by three daughters, Patricia Pickoski and husband, David, Marilyn Murray and husband, Gary, and Deborah Ward; five grandchildren, Ryan Pickoski and wife, Heidi, Tom Murray and wife, Rebecca, Kevin Pickoski, Jason Murray and Nicole Pickoski; four great-grandchildren, Abby Stone, Cole Pickoski, Daniel Pickoski and Katherine Murray; one sister-in-law, Frances LaBree; two nieces, Linda Ford and Cathy Burgon; one nephew, Brian LaBree; as well as her faithful canine companion, Beethoven. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, one infant daughter; and one brother, Aaron LaBree Jr. The family extends their sincere thanks and gratitude for the loving, compassionate care Mary received from the 6th floor nursing staff and palliative care team at Eastern Maine Medical Center.
Family and friends will gather for visitation 4-6 p.m. Friday, April 27, at Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with a reception after the service in the church basement. Burial will be private for the family after the Mass. Memorial contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.