BIDDEFORD - Mary Brown, 61, of Biddeford, Maine died on September 20, 2023. She was born February 9, 1962 in Portland, Maine, the daughter of Alfred and Mary Ellen (Bickford) Brown.

Mary attended Cathedral School and Catherine McAuley High School of Portland, Maine.  She also pursued an education in social work at USM and SMCC. She worked in customer service at Evergreen Credit Union.

Mary proudly was previously employed at Preble Street Resource Center in the kitchen for 7 years, a cause that she held dear to her heart.

She was an avid lover of music, Jimmy Buffet being her favorite artist.  She was a lover of cooking, photography, history, long drives, collecting antiques, and had a huge interest in spiritualism.  Mary was an avid Red Sox fan and a huge lover of animals and was always with many loved pets.   She always took great enjoyment in sharing and telling stories both personal and family, as well as stories of her beloved Portland, Maine. Mary also had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel and recently visited Ireland with her husband, Jim. Mary had a loving and generous heart, with a soft spot for those less fortunate who had nothing; she would always offer a helping hand whether it being spare change, food, or even someone to talk to.  She loved the fact that she was able to help many but always wanted to help even more.

Mary was predeceased by her Parents, Alfred Brown & Mary Ellen (Bickford) Brown; sisters, Barbara and Margaret (Maggie); brothers, Stephen and Alfred (Buddy), and nephew, David Stanhope (South Portland).

She is survived by her husband, Jim Ward (Biddeford); sisters, Kathleen Osgood (South Portland), and Frances Brown (South Portland); brother, Edward Brown and wife Peggy (South Portland); stepson, Colin Ward (Manchester, NH); daughter, Maegan Devou and Husband Chris and son Michael (Saco); nephews, Timothy Brown (Wesbrook), Kevin Brown (Lewiston), and Ernie Stanhope and wife Keely (Westbrook); nieces, Haley Osgood (South Portland), Moia Leighton (South Portland), Jessica Kalloch (South Portland), Aryn Leighton (California), Kane Leighton (Portland), and Rachel Stanhope (Westbrook); along with multiple other aunts, uncles and cousins in southern Maine as well as her in-law family in Ireland and Massachusetts

All of Mary's family and friends are welcome to attend Mary's graveside service and prayers at New Calvary Cemetery in South Portland on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 11am followed by an informal gathering at 100 Anthoine Street in South Portland. The family encourages all attending to wear their favorite Hawaiian shirt and parrothead clothing in memory of Mary's love of all things Jimmy Buffet and Margaritaville lifestyle.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations of food, clothing and financial contributions be made to Preble Street Resource Center, Florence House, World Central Kitchen, or your favorite local food pantry and shelter, because Mary believed that every little bit helps those in need.