Mary LaRose McDonald

South Portland Mary LaRose McDonald, 101, died Sunday, April 9, 2017 at the South Portland Nursing Home. A lifelong resident of Portland, Mary was born on February 21, 1916, a daughter of the late Frank and Margaret (Wiley) LaRose. She attended St. Dominics Elementary School and was a graduate of the Portland High School class of 1934. Mary was raised in Portlands West End and was an active communicant of the former St. Dominic Parish. She was proud of her neighborhood as her entire life revolved around her Tyng Street home. Mary worked for the Monmouth Canning Company for over 35 years until the company closed in 1979. She subsequently worked at Shaws Supermarket on Congress Street and the Portland Public Library. Following retirement, Mary enjoyed staying active with the Foster Grandparent Program for 17 years, fully retiring at the age of 81. In her capacity as a Foster Grandparent she worked at both the Catherine Morrill Day Nursery and St. Elizabeths Child Development Center. She loved caring for and entertaining the young children. Marys family remembers her as one who held both faith and family in the highest regard. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She always had a pocket full of hard candies to entertain her grandchildren and great-grandchildren during mass. Mary prayed many times daily for family and friends. She was a very caring, loving, generous and devoted woman who always put others needs above her own. Above all else, her family was the most important aspect of her life. Her daughter Diane was the love of her life. Mary was a devoted mother and a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother who will be deeply missed. In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her great-grandson, Timothy TJ Michaud, Jr.; siblings, Frank, William, Margaret, Catherine, Dorothy, Charles and Alice; and her special friend Dorothy Bowring, her son-in-law Freds mother. Mary and Dot shared a unique and loving friendship, bonding over their deep love of their children. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Bowring and husband Fred of South Portland; grandchildren, Lori Bowring Michaud and husband Timothy of South Portland and Chris Bowring and wife Mary-Ellen of South Portland; great-grandchildren, Caitlin Michaud and fianc Josh, Matthew Michaud and wife Katie, Gabrielle Michaud and fianc Ally, Spencer Bowring and Mackenzie Bowring. Mary is also survived by her brother, Richard LaRose and wife Alice of South Portland and many nieces and nephews. Marys family wishes to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to the exceptional staff of the South Portland Nursing Home. Their compassionate care of Mary during her final hours was exceptional. Visiting Hours will be held on Monday, April 17 from 9AM-10:15AM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland followed by an 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will be held on Tuesday, April 18 at 9AM at New Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Marys memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the South Portland Nursing Home Activities Fund, 42 Anthoine Street, South Portland, ME 04106