Mary Louise Alward
April 30, 1941 ~ July 7, 2015
SOUTH PORTLAND Mary Louise (Downie) Alward, of Clemons Street, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, July 7, 2015. She was born on April 30, 1941 in Houlton, the daughter of the late Leo Downie and Virginia Monahan. She graduated from St. Marys School and Houlton High School and she attended the University of Southern Maine. Mary moved to Massachusetts in 1960 and worked as a legal secretary in the Boston area, returning to Maine in 1970. She worked for Unum for 29 years before her retirement. Mary had a love of gardening, and she enjoyed traveling and the theater. Above all else, Mary was a loving and compassionate person who always put others above herself. Mary is predeceased by her sibling Patricia Guy of Houlton ,ME by only 2 days and also predeceased by siblings, Terry Wayne Downie, and Gail Ellen Downie. She is survived by her loving daughter, Beth Alward of South Portland; sisters, Nina Capuano and husband Tony of Orange, CT, Melody Downie of Southington, CT; brother, Ronald Downie and wife Virginia of Ruther Glen, VA and brother-in-law Wendall Guy of Houlton, ME. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service will be held at 12PM on Saturday, August 20, 2016at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Meeting House Hill, South Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Mercy Breast Care Specialists, 144 State Street, Portland, ME 04101 or the Maine Heart Association, 51 US Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Beth, I am truly sorry for the loss of your best friend, anchor and of course mom. I know right now you feel like your in a fog or some kind of horror movie and it does not feel real. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you my friend. I am only a text, phone call or Facebook message away. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Your friend always,Cheryl B
– Cheryl Bernard Sikora
Beth, thank you so much for sending me the notice of Mary’s passing. I had the great good fortune and pleasure of working with Mary for several years. I will deeply miss seeing her on my too infrequent visits back to Maine.
– Don Jensen
Beth, I worked with your mother at Unum back in the 1980s. I will always remember what a lovely person and mentor she was for me. I learned how to do my job so much better by listening to Mary on the phone investigating a claim. She was such a pro.I am so very sorry for your loss.Diane Rogers
– Diane Rogers
Beth,I met your mother via my sister, Marie Lamson. It was always a joy being around your mother and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Mary was a beautiful, kind, carefree individual and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to know her. May God give you the strength you need during this difficult time. Please take care of yourself. Fondly, Kathy Douglass
– Kathy Douglass
Dear Beth,It was heart breaking to learn of your Mom’s passing. I was fortunate to have worked with her for many years — she was such a lovely person and will be sincerely missed. This is such a difficult time for you, Beth and I extend my very deepest condolences.
– Carolyn Corliss
Mary and I worked together at Unum–then Union Mutual. I was a new attorney and she taught me so much! She was a remarkable woman–smart, competent, with a great sense of humor and terrific laugh. I do and will remember her with great do swss–my sincerest condolences to the whole family.
– Katherine GREENLEAF
Beth we were so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. It won’t be the same without Mary waving over the fence. We will miss her…neighbors …good neighbors are hard to come by. If you need anything we are just a shout over the fence..our love and prayers are with you!Sincerely,Dave & Ginny & family
– David & Ginny Blouin & family
So nice to hear from you and thank you for your condolences . Where are you these days ? We should keep in touch.
– Thank you
I will miss my good friend Mary. We had so many good times together. She was taken from us much too soon.
– Marie Lamson
my sincerest sympathies to the MaryLou Downie -Alward family a person I knew all my younger life. She was a really sweet young lady. To Beth her daughter remember she is just in another world with out any pain. Think of all the wonderful memories your mom has given you and the family. Barbara — Upper Peninsula of Michigan
– Barbara(burlock)PEANO
Beth, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was a beautiful person and I was fortunate to know her. May you find comfort in the memories.Kim C.
– Kim Cotton
Beth, I am sorry for the loss of your mother. Mary was a wonderful and kind woman. She was a great co-worker, hard-working, thoughtful and good humored. She will be missed.
– Christine Joyce
Beth. Sorry to just read of your loss my friend. My heart is so heavy for you, I wish I could just give you a hug. Please look to your faith. We don’t understand why our loved ones are taken from us so soon but trust in him. John 3:16. My thoughts and prayers are with you for strength and guidance in the days ahead.
– Lisa Mahan
Beth, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was a beautiful person and I was fortunate to know her. May you find comfort in the memories.Kim C.
– Kim Cotton
Beth,I am very sorry about your loss. My thoughts are with you.Sincerely,Stephanie
– Stephanie Peterson-Trynor