Mary Elizabeth McCartney Gedaro

PORTLAND - Mary Elizabeth McCartney Gedaro, was 87 when she died unexpectedly in Portland on December 30, 2013. She was born in Portland, the daughter of James J. and Mary Fox McCartney. She attended local schools and was a graduate of Cathedral High School. Mary later graduated from Gorham State Teacher's college and was a Portland Public School teacher for 18 years. She also taught special needs students in private homes for another 10 years, retiring in 1981. She was a member of the Portland Teacher's Association and the Maine Teacher's Association. She was also a member of the Irish American Club and the Italian American Club. She was a long time communicant of St. Peter's Church. She made it her life goal to help others however she could, especially children. Many of you reading this own a pair of the colorful children's mittens she constantly made and donated all over the city. She also enjoyed the many years she spent in Florida with her daughter and grandchildren. Mary is survived by her daughter, Susanna Maria Gedaro and son in law, Thomas Braun of Orlando Florida; a brother, James E. "Chickie" McCartney and wife, Mary of Portland; and 7 grandchildren, whose photos she would share with prospective friends in the checkout line, on the airplane and in the bank: Giovanni, Andrew, Giuliana, Sofia, Kerry, Kieran and Isabella (due in 2 weeks, perhaps they've already met?). Mary also leaves behind many in laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. Mary is now reunited with her husband, Andy Gedaro, who pre deceased her in 1998 after 33 years of marriage. Mary was an avid reader, never passed by a ripe blueberry patch and never believed that the ocean was ever too cold for swimming. She embraced life fully, was always up for an adventure and lived her life with enthusiasm and gusto in all that she did. She laughed often and that is how she preferred to be remembered. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland, Maine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, at 9:30 am at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.