Mary G. Crichton
January 3, 1943 ~ April 24, 2016
Bath Mary Geraldean Crichton, 73, passed away on April 24, 2016 at the Hill House Assisted Living Center with her family at her side after a long battle with cancer. Mary was born on January 3, 1943 in Presque Isle, the daughter of Philip and Angela (Donahue) Crichton. She grew up and attended schools in Mars Hill, graduating from Aroostook Central Institute in 1961, from Aroostook State Teachers College with a degree in Education and a masters degree in Education from the University of Maine. Mary began her career at the University of Maine and worked there as an associate professor for physical education. Following her work at the University of Maine, Mary devoted over thirty years to the State of Maine Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, and later on the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. She served as the Recreation Director at Pineland for several years, where she made a significant difference. Mary played a key role in resolving the long lasting consent decree against the State of Maine, after which she retired. Mary was highly respected and regarded by her peers. She enjoyed working for Commissioners Brenda Harvey and Kevin Concannon, in particular. Mary was an avid movie goer and fan with a large collection of movies. When she wasnt working, or enjoying time with family, she loved watching movies. Mary is survived by her brother, Stephen Crichton of Hampden; brother, Peter Crichton and wife, Jennifer, of Scarborough; sister, Angela Ellen Delong and husband, Kris, of Bridgewater; her brother-in-law, Elias Karter of Osprey, Fla., and Phippsburg; her brother-in-law, Alan Hitchcock; her dear cousin Dean Donahue Paterson and husband, John; and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and many other family members. She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Ann Karter; sister, Clare Hitchcock; and infant nephew, Gregory Michael Hitchcock. She also leaves behind friends and former co-workers. Visiting hours will be held from 2-3PM immediately followed by a Funeral Service at 3PM on Thursday at the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME 04101. A graveside burial will be at the Green Ridge Cemetery in Caribou at a later date. To view Marys memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society.
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I am saddened to hear of Mary’s passing, my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. I worked for Mary for many years at DHHS, and consider her one of the best managers I have worked for. She was a devoted advocate for our clients, and very supportive mentor to her staff. I learned many valuable lessons from her. Her influence in many of the things we do on a daily basis continues to this day. She will be missed.
– Colette Carbonneau
My heart goes out to Mary’s close friends and family. Mary had a bright light when we knew each other during college and professionally while working to establish and encourage a high level of scholastic gymnastics throughout the state of Maine. May her devotion to the causes she loved and the fun we had along the way continue to inspire. It was great to know you, Mary.
– Kathy Ranney
I have missed Mary since her retirement. We were good friends and co-workers. She was important to me because she kept me grounded to reality. While having a terrific since of humor, she could bring you back to the important concerns and issues in our lives, and especially in the lives of those we served for so many years. I will always remember her fondly. My sincere thoughts go to all who knew her and feel her departure. To her family, take care. You are in my thoughts and prayer today.
– Terry Sandusky
What a beautiful person. We spent many celebrations with Mary and the Hitchcocks. My prayers and hugs to all who loved Mary, she will be so missed. The three sisters are together again. You have all gained another Angel.
– Debbie Cyr
I often sat across the table from Mary, as an advocate and then as a member of the CAB. While there was an element of “plaintiff” and “defendant” to this, i never doubted Mary’s sincerity or her determination to do the right thing, as she saw it. One of the old guard. Rest in peace Mary
– steve demaio
My heartfelt condolences to Mary’s family. She was so kind to me when I was her sister, Claire’s, college roommate at the University of Maine. Though a very long time ago, I have never stopped thinking about both of them with deep admiration and love.Nancy Bishop Tracy
– Nancy Bishop Tracy
As so many others have posted, I also had the honor of working for and with Mary over the years. She had a reputation for being a tough and demanding supervisor, but she was fair and did not expect more from those she was responsible for than she did for herself! She deservedly earned the respect of all who she worked with and made us all better for having had the chance to work and learn from her. She was one-of-a-kind and will be sorely missed.
– Scott Gregory
As a long time supervisor for Developmental Services I worked with Mary quite a bit over the years until her retirement. I had a great respect for Mary’s high standards and her strong work ethic. With Mary I could always count on clear communication and professional support whenever I needed it. I have certainly missed working with her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
– Becky Shanor
I had the privilege of working with Mary for many years, both as a colleague and when she was my supervisor. Mary was the model of integrity in all that she did. While she expected a great deal of those she supervised, she also provided extraordinary support, guidance, and encouragement. She truly made a lasting impact.
– Sally Ward
It was my honor and pleasure to work with Mary for a number of years. The extent of her dedication and professionalism may never be equaled. God Bless you Mary.
– Curtis Johnson
We had the pleasure of knowing Mary for the last 25 years. We shared a love of dogs and have many fond memories of Mary with her girls- Lady, Millie 1 and Millie 2. They had a wonderful companion and friend through all their years. We will miss Mary.
– Joyce and Rick Rendall
Mary it was an honor to be apart of your life. Thank you to her family for sharing her with us here at HillHouse.
– Jane Taylor
I had the privilege of working with Mary for many years. She was so instrumental in helping to develop the leadership qualities of many outstanding people. Her focused demeanor was always well balanced by her kind and thoughtful actions. I learned many lessons from Mary and held a deep respect for her as a leader and person.
– Peter Reynolds
My husband found news of Mary’s passing just now in a UMaine Alumnus. I am so sorry to hear this. Mary and I worked together several years when she was the PE teacher at the Stevens School in Hallowell. We spent many fun times together with our mutual friend Charlene Perkins who also died of cancer many years ago. We would take turns fixing dinner for each other. I never knew anyone who would take a frozen steak and cook it frozen directly on the broiler! She often recounted stories of her family members in The County. I always thought very highly of Mary.
– Nona Libby Thompson
What an incredible woman! Mary was a hard working task mistress with a drive to get things done and done completely and correctly. She was committed in her tireless work for people with mental retardation. What an honor to have worked with her. Thank you Mary.
– SUsan McKowen O’Connor
Mary you are missed. I loved your tough outer shell and thank you for letting me see your soft side. You didn’t fool all of us! You were the best at everything- your dedication, your compassion, your high standards, your humor and of course making it to Presque Isle in the shortest time ever. Those tires never touched the road!My prayers and thoughts are with your family. Until we meet again…
– Deb Gellatly
I too, had the pleasure to work for Mary, she was a very dedicated individual with extremely high standards and a very strong work ethic. I always found her to be a very fair person and could always count on her support. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family ,she will be sadly missed.
– Linda Ladouceur
I too, had the pleasure to work for Mary, she was a very dedicated individual with extremely high standards and a very strong work ethic. I always found her to be a very fair person and could always count on her support. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family ,she will be sadly missed.
– Linda Ladouceur
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have such fond memories of the times my family and I spent with Mary’s family when we were children. Mary, Steve, my sister Nancy, and I roamed around Mars Hill visiting Mary’s friends and Mary would come to our farm for adventures there. I am so impressed by all that Mary accomplished in her life. Rest in Peace, Mary!
– Jackie Towle Anderson
I worked with Mary for a number of years, she was very dedicated to her work. Always ready to jump in and lead any project. Mary had a big heart and was very kind and thoughtful, I don’t think she ever missed a birthday. I feel very fortunate to have had her as a co-worker and friend, she will be missed.
– Deborah Caron
Please accept the condolences of all the Blanchards. Mary was not only my classmate but a lifelong friend. Last Christmas was the first time I hadn’t heard from her–hers was always the first card to arrive so I knew then that she must be ill. I’m so happy that in the last couple of years we had a chance to go out to lunch together and catch up on all the Mars Hill and family news. She was a special friend and the York Street-Benjamin Street connection will always be with me. She will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all–Steve, Peter, and Ellen and families.Trudy and Tony Hodgdon
– Trudy Blanchard Hodgdon
It was an honor and a privilege to have worked with Mary. She cared about the clients, and truly set a great example for the staff; with her wit and high expectations, one always aimed to please her. RIP.
– Gayle Hathaway