Mary T. Millett

Portland - Mary T. Millett, 87, of Vera Street, died at Maine Medical Center on May 21, 2017 just 3 days shy of her 88th birthday. Mary was born on May 24, 1929, in South Portland, Maine, the daughter of Frank J. and Delia (Conley) McGinnis. She grew up in the Portland area, attended local schools graduating from Cathedral High School, Class of 1949. Mary was working at the Strand Theater (a local movie theater) when a young gentleman named Everett came in. Mary gave him her phone number but weeks would pass before the two met again. They happened to pass each other while walking on Congress Street. The two nodded and kept going their separate ways. About 40 feet past each other they both turned and looked back. Mary and Everett both walked toward each other beginning an almost 70 year relationship. Everett and Mary married at Saint John the Evangelist Church in South Portland on Feb 21st 1950. Soon they settled in South Portland where together they raised their five children. Mary was a loving homemaker and a wonderful cook who made "favorite" pies for each of her children's birthdays. She joined the Lincoln Grammar School Mother's Club bowling team in the early 1960's and found not only did she enjoyed bowling but she was rather skilled at it. She bowled for the next 20 years, becoming a professional bowler making numerous appearances on the Maine Candlepin Bowling Show broadcast live from the Big 20 every Saturday. She proudly displayed the hundreds of trophies she won over her bowling career. Mary was a lifetime member of the VFW. She enjoyed spending her winters in Florida where she created various crafts. She enjoyed crocheting and made countless numbers of blankets for her children and grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Winnifred Leland; brothers, Lawrence, John and Francis McGinnis; and two grandchildren Christopher and Michael Millett. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Everett Millett; daughter, Mary O'Brion and her husband James of Westbrook; sons, Everett Millett Jr. of Portland, Frank Millett and his significant other Cathy Cushing of South Portland, Michael Millett and his wife Juli of Topsham, Kevin Millett of Windham; sister, Anne Nurmi of CT; 9 grandchildren Carrie Moore, Cara Millett, Corey O'Brion, Kelly O'Brion, Karen Alcide, Elizabeth Voisine, Kristen Millett, Kathryn Thompson, Kevin Millett and 12 great grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held from 4-7 PM on Thursday, May 25, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 10:15 AM on Friday, May 26, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.