Mary E. Carey, 96

RAYMOND — Mary Elizabeth Dustin Carey, 96, passed away at Ledgewood Manor in Windham, on Thursday, March 30, 2017.

She was born May 11, 1920, in Wells, the daughter of Harry and Helen Spear Dustin. She graduated from Wells High School, and in 1939, graduated from Gorham State Teacher’s College with a B.A. degree in Education. It was at Gorham that she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Loring Carey, whom she married in 1941. They shared 59 wonderful years together, creating a loving home where they raised their three children, Michael, Cathleen and Patrick.She taught elementary school for 30 years, most of them in Portland, including Nathan Clifford and Reiche. Her most memorable years were at Jackson School, where she spent 25 years.

After their retirement from the Portland school system, Mary and Bill traveled extensively. Countries visited included India, Germany, Japan, The Philippines and many others. They spent eight winters in Honolulu, Hawaii and nine in Naples, Fla.Her life could be characterized as one filled with warmth, tenderness and love for her family and friends. She touched the lives and hearts of all she met, through her wonderful sense of humor and love of people. A stranger to Mary was just a friend she had not met. An avid reader, she also enjoyed crossword puzzles, games and square dancing.

She loved all children and was affectionately known as “Nana” to all including her eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and the highly-attentive and caring staff at Ledgewood Manor in Windham, which she considered her “home” and where she spent her final years.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving and devoted daughter, Cathleen Loomis and husband Chuck of Ashburn, Va.; her dear son, Michael Carey and wife Carole of Raymond; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, several nephews and a niece. She was preceded in death by her husband, William, and her youngest son, Patrick.

A graveside service will be planned for a later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhome.net