Mary P. Mitchell

Mary P. Mitchell, 78, of South Portland, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2015 after a long journey with Alzheimers and a short illness after a fall. Born on March 11, 1936, Mary was the younger daughter of Andrew J. Flaherty and Barbara C. (Davis) Flaherty, she grew up on Munjoy Hill and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1955. Mary will be always known for her straightforward manner, empathy, and her brilliant smile. She delighted in conversation and company. There was always time for a visit with friends, particularly if they were in need of a shoulder or sounding board. Mary loved family and friends. Among her favorite activities throughout her life were camping, family get-togethers, and family events such as weddings and graduations. She was most herself when joining friends for breakfast, or helping prepare and serve food for a social occasion. Children were a constant source of delight for her, and she kept close with many nieces, nephews, and neighborhood youth. For her, life was best lived simply and in the company of those most cared about. Her faith was a central part of Marys life. She considered keeping her family strong in the practice of the faith both an obligation and a joy. In her adult life, she was a lifelong communicant of Holy Cross Church in South Portland, participating until the disease took away her ability to do so. Over the years she was involved in numerous parish activities and organizations. She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Joseph;her sons, Stephen and wife Christina, and Timothy and wife Denise. Mary is also survived by her grandchildren, Alissa, Clancy, and Andrew; sister, Barbara Connolly and husband Roger, and their children, Michael Connolly, Maureen Connolly-Cunningham, and their children Meghan, John Patrick and Kathryn. Also, survived by sister-in-law, Madeline (Mitchell) Wallace, and brother-in-law, Ralph Aceto, and many loving nieces and nephews. Visiting Hours will be held on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 from 3-7PM in the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 at 9:15AM in the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Rd., South Portland. Burial will be held in New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. To share a memory or online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Alzheimers Association Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.