Mary Y. Nobert

Mary Yates Nobert, 88, a lifelong resident of Sanford, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2012 at the Greenwood Nursing Care Center in Sanford. She was born on November 8, 1923, a daughter of the late Ernest and Jennie (MacKinnon) Yates. She attended Sanford public schools and graduated from Sanford High School in 1941.Her first job was with the York Utilities Department and Railroad. Later she worked in the office of Genest Concrete where she became the office manager. Mary married Gerard E. Nobert in 1943 and together they raised four children.Involving herself extensively in community and church life, Mary was first a Girl Scout troop leader and later a member of the Kennebec Council of Girl Scouts, spending in excess of 50 years in scouting. Her involvement with the United Way of York County spanned over 40 years, serving on the Board of Directors of the Children's Center, the York County Red Cross, Volunteer! York County, and the Caring Neighbors Organization in Sanford. Her service was recognized by receiving the Elise Kittredge Award given by the United Way in 1998 in honor of her time, talent, and financial contributions. In 2001 the Rotary Club granted Mary the Citizen Award in honor of her work in furthering the appreciation and improvement of the Sanford-Springvale community.Mary was a faithful and active member of the St. Ignatius Parish. She taught CCD, sang in the choir, and served on the Parish Council, including a term as Parish Council President. In 1998 she was nominated to receive the Catholic Charities Maine Bishop Proulx Memorial Award that credits outstanding service in "fostering social teachings of Jesus Christ" in the community. Some of her most cherished trips included those to Israel and Palestine to visit holy sites with fellow church members. She was a member of the Ladies of St. Anne.Mary's love for travel led her on many memorable trips to the British Isles, the Caribbean, and a variety of cruises, some of which she enjoyed with her daughters. She was an avid reader, played the piano and listened to all types of music. Passing those passions on to her children brought her great joy.Mary is predeceased by her husband of 33 years, Gerard E. Nobert who passed away in 1976.Mary is survived by her three daughters, Patricia Hawkes and her husband Robert of Shapleigh, Linda Hills and her husband Bruce of Windham, and Eileen Randall and her husband Dennis of Sanford. Her son, David Nobert of Biddeford. She leaves behind her two grandchildren, Brady Randall of Chelsea and Heather (Hills) Dugas and her husband, Michael of Londonderry, NH, as well as three great grandchildren, Evan Dugas, Faith Dugas and Sophie Dugas of Londonderry, NH.In accordance with Mary's wishes there will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11AM at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church in Sanford. Private interment will be in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations in her memory to the Waban Projects, Inc., 5 Dunaway Drive, Sanford, ME 04073, the Children's Center, 26 Amherst Street, Sanford, ME 04073 or The York County Shelter Programs, PO Box 820, Alfred, Maine 04002.Members of Mary's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Greenwood Center for the continual kindness, support, and compassion shown to them and for the gentle and loving care Mary received during her residence there.Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale.Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com