Mary S. Burns

CAPE ELIZABETH — Mary “Aunt Mamie” Sarah Burns, 89, of Cape Elizabeth, died peacefully, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013 in the Gosnell Hospice House Garden surrounded by her family and the Gosnell staff.

She was born in Portland on June 30, 1924, the daughter of Edward L. and Mary F. Levesque Delaney. Mary attended Sacred Heart School and was a 1942 graduate of Cathedral High School.

Following high school, Mary went to work for New England Telephone & Telegraph Company. Her career with the telephone company lasted over 30 years. Mary lived out of state briefly and worked in another field for a short time before returning to the phone company. She retired at age 57.

She was a longtime communicant of St. Bartholomew Church; a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and the Cape Elizabeth Garden Club. Mary loved flowers and enjoyed gardening at her home. She was a very fussy well-organized housekeeper. She enjoyed cats, especially “Capt. Coon.”

Mary was fond of the beach and loved spending time at the ocean. As a younger woman, she enjoyed traveling to the beaches of the Caribbean and Florida. She often spoke fondly of her trip to England.

Mary was predeceased by three brothers, James, John and Robert Delaney; and two sisters, Catherine Lorello and Dorothy Larsen.

Mary is survived by a brother, Edward Delaney of Philadelphia, Pa.; 19 nieces and nephews, including Paul Larsen of Raymond; 40-great nieces and nephews and six great-great-nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Tuesday Aug. 6, 2013 at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers were recited Wednesday at the South Portland Chapel followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Church, Mellon Street, Portland. Interment was at Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth.

Those desiring may make donations to: Monastery of the Precious Blood, 166 State St., Portland, ME 04101.