Marie R. Bearss

It is with profound sadness that we share that Marie Rosalie Bearss (Mazzaro) passed away very peacefully in Walla Walla, Washington on October 22, 2026. Born in New Jersey, Marie travelled the country with her husband of 51 years, Gene Bearss, until his death in 2014. She stayed in Sanford, Maine for a few years, having established so many wonderful friendships over the years and having had a strong community to support her. Many remember her work at St. Ignatius as the Parish Secretary. While she loved her life in Sanford, she had many more adventures in front of her; moving to Maryland with her daughter Theresa in 2020 and then moving to Walla Walla, Washington with her other daughter Angela in 2022.

Marie loved life. There are those who will remember seeing her walking around town, usually on the way to pick up her numbers or to buy a scratch ticket or two. She was always smiling and would share a warm hello with anyone she met. If she wasn’t walking around the town, she could be found at church every morning for daily mass or dropping in to pray for everyone. She was a devout Catholic who really was an angel on earth. And if you ever wanted to offer her a glass (or two) of wine, a strawberry shortcake (extra whipped cream), or a cannoli, she would graciously accept (perhaps with an even bigger smile).

She was simply the nicest person and anybody who had the pleasure of knowing her, whether it was for a minute or a lifetime would tell you they had never met anyone as sweet as Marie. Her laugh filled the room, and she lived her life full of joy that infected anyone in her presence. Her affection was overflowing and resulted in many spontaneous hugs and kisses. You were guaranteed to walk away with a blessing and a hug every time you crossed her path.

She is survived by her daughters, Angela Desrochers and Theresa Mazzaro, her grandsons, Matthew Desrochers and Christian Desrochers, and her brother, Donald Mazzaro.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, November 2^nd at the Black-Heald & Walker Funeral Home, located at 580 Main Street in Springvale.  Interment will be at a later date at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery located on Stanley Road in Springvale.

In lieu of flowers, please kindly donate to the hospice that took such tender care of her in her final days; Walla Walla Hospice. You may donate online: https://walla-walla-community-hospice.givecloud.co/fundraising/forms/7XEWNRD8 or call (509) 525-5561.