Mary Jo Gilchrest

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.