Mary Derrig

PORTLAND - Mary Derrig, a lifelong Portland resident, died peacefully on July 9, 2012 after a brief illness. She was born on August 7, 1923, the daughter of Rose (Profenno) Toppi and Rocco Toppi, Sr. Muddie, as she was affectionately called by friends and relatives was the second of nine children. Like many of her generation who were raised during the Great Depression, Muddie had to choose between full time work and attending High School. She chose to work to support herself and help her family. She married her beloved husband Marty in August of 1942. Shortly thereafter, Marty was drafted and sent to the European theater for the remainder of the war. During that time Muddie worked as a welder building Liberty Ships at the South Portland Shipyard. When the War ended they moved to Greenleaf St. and started their family. Their Greenleaf St home, in the Bayside area of Portland, was a magnet for frequent visits from her many brothers and sisters. The house was also a favorite spot for her children's many friends. Marty and Mary loved to travel and took many Caribbean cruises with their large circle of friends. Driving to Montana to visit with his brother Eddie and driving around New England for yearly World War II reunions was also a favorite pastime. Mary loved the Italian Heritage Center. As a fifty year member she never missed a weekend function. She always talked about what wonderful people and friends she had made at the Heritage. Up until her recent illness she could be counted on to visit the Heritage at least once a week. Mary was predeceased by her husband Marty; her sisters, Antoinette Joyce, Adeline Quattrucci, Susie Fuller, Camilla Anderson, Emma Carrigan; brothers, Frank Toppi, and Rocco Toppi, Jr. She is survived by her sister, Yolanda Noyes; daughter, Kathleen Lee; two sons, Michael and wife Robyn Derrig, Kevin and wife Kim Derrig; sister-in-law, Marion Toppi; eight grandchildren, Ericka Lee-Winship, Christopher and Kevin Lee, Anthony Derrig, Nicholas Derrig, Scott Derrig, Keith Derrig and Stephanie Derrig, along with eight great grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11th at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at 9:15 a.m., Thursday at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland. Interment will follow in New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory may be made to: American Heart Association, 51 US Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, Maine 04074.Online condolences may be expressed below.