Cape Elizabeth – Mary Jo Gilchrest of Cape Elizabeth passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025. A South Portland native, and was one of 3 children to the late Edmund and Mary Lawler. She was a graduate of South Portland High School and worked as a secretary for local medical offices and at InterMed for over 40 years.
She is survived by her husband, William Gilchrest of whom she’d been married to for 51 years. It was fate that brought them together and a love to rival for all eternity. She also leaves behind her two sons; Ryan Gilchrest (his wife Samantha), and Aaron Gilchrest (his partner Tracy McKenzie). She was immensely loved by her grandchildren; Koi Goodno and Olivia Gilchrest and will be greatly missed by Nash and Aldan Alexander and Piper. She will be remembered by her brothers Timothy Lawler (his wife Terry), Edmund Lawler Jr. and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary Jo was always one to care deeply for others and ask nothing in return. She was a communicant of St. Bartholomew’s Church where she served on the parish council and was a Eucharistic Minister. She volunteered to deliver sacrament to local assisted living facilities and found other ways to give back throughout the community when needed.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 4pm-6pm at Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10am at St. Bartholomew Church, 8 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth. Burial will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. To view Mary Jo’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary Jo’s memory to the Covenant House.
Services
Visiting Hours: Thursday, October 2, 2025 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home - South Portland Chapel
1024 Broadway
South Portland, Maine 04106
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Mary Jo GilchrestVisiting Hours
Visiting Hours
1024 Broadway,South Portland, Maine 04106
Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, October 3, 2025 10:00 am
St. Bartholomew Church
8 Two Lights Road
Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04107
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2025-10-03 10:00:00
2025-10-03 10:00:00
Mary Jo GilchrestMass of Christian Burial
Mass of Christian Burial
8 Two Lights Road,Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04107
Graveside Service: Friday, October 3, 2025 11:30 am
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2025-10-03 11:30:00
Mary Jo GilchrestGraveside Service
Graveside Service
1461 Broadway,South Portland, Maine 04106
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My beautiful Aunt, most recently you were my light in my darkness when I needed strength and as a child and young adult, growing up- some of my happiest memories. I am going to miss you dearly. Love you.
I met Mary Jo at a grief support group upon the death of our mothers. It was my hope that we could become good friends but life took us down separate paths.
My husband, Gary, and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Bill and family.
My deepest sympathies to Bill and family. Cheryl Bickford and Scott Tame.
We are deeply saddened to hear about Mary Jo’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Her memory will live on in all the lives she touched.
Bill, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathies, Dave and Linda Stevenson
Sis, You were the best sister anyone could ever have. You were truly an angel on earth. The thought of not seeing or talking to you hurts. I’ll be loving you ALWAYS
My most sincere condolences to the whole family. Be assured of my thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.
To bill and Family, Our deepest condolences to all that knew and loved her.
I love and miss you. You were and always will be special to me! Fly high “Big Sis”. ♥️😘🥰
Mary Jo was more than just a friend, she was a gift from God. Jesus implores us to be a “light” shining in the darkness and indeed Mary Jo was that very “light” to many. Gentle in her way yet consistent in a faith that she was unafraid to share with anyone who would listen. Our lives were made better for knowing such a wonderful person and she will be surely missed, but most certainly not forgotten.
Jean Connors lit a candle
“In loving memory of Mary Jo Gilchrest,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Bill–the entire Connors family of Cape Elizabeth is so grateful for your friendship with Russ and the help you have provided. You have our love, support, and prayers.
Russ, Rebecca, Jean, John, Virginia, Sarah”
So sad to hear about Mary Jo passing.
Bill and family I am so sorry
For your loss. I’m sure she will be truly missed by all that knew her.
R.I.P
From all of us at the Staab Agency we send our sincere condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.