Mary Marshall

Portland - Mary J. Marshall, 91, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Mary was born on January 27, 1927 in Vinal Haven and raised in Eastport. She was the daughter of the late Hiram and Lillian (Parker) Polk. Like many people in that generation, Mary had left school to help care for her family. In 1945, Mary married Leroy Marshall. Together, they moved their family to Munjoy Hill in 1962 and raised their 7 children on the foundations of love and togetherness. Throughout the majority of her life, she cared for her kids, took care of the home, and snuck off to work every so often just to keep herself busy. Once her kids were grown and started their own families, Mary joyfully accepted the responsibilities of caring for her grandchildren and the neighborhood kids. In 1994, Mary and her children faced the devastating loss of Roy. At the time of Leroy's death, Mary had never worked full time, nor did she have a formal education. However, determined to be an independent widow and mother, Mary received her GED at the age of 50, received her Certified Nursing Assistant training, and worked for the next 22 years as a CNA with The Jewish Home and The Cedars. Right around the same time that she attained her education, she received her driver's license. Mary loved the independence of being able to drive herself around town. Despite the fact that she always had new dents in the car and horns honking behind her, she enjoyed always being on the go. When she wasn't working or caring for children, she enjoyed traveling, gardening, and caring for her beloved pets. She was a wonderful cook who never prepared a meal that was from a box, baked bread everyday and was an all around amazing woman. She also hosted a Saturday night supper, which usually consisted of homemade beans, hot-rolls and hotdogs. Above all else, family was everything to Mary. She was a loving mother and Grammy. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren remained the most important thing in her life until the day she passed away. She is predeceased by her husband, Leroy Marshall, Sr.; son, Leroy "Butch" Marshall, Jr.; grandson, Justin Marshall; brothers, Edward Polk, Emery Polk, and Hiram Polk; sister, Jenny (Polk) Cook; son-in-law, George Mattheson. She is survived by her children, Joanne Mattheson of Portland, Brian Marshall and wife Ruth of Derry, NH, Kenneth Marshall of Portland, Michael Marshall and Melinda Moran of Windham, Robert Marshall and wife Robin Lakin of South Portland, and Lisa Egan of Portland; grandchildren, Stacy, Michelle, Kenneth Jr., Jason, Jennifer, Austin, Robie, Erik and Marcus. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Ellie Marshall; 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Visiting Hours celebrating Mary's life will be held on Monday, January 28, 2019 from 4-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 11AM at St. Luke's Cathedral, 143 State Street, Portland. Additional parking for Mary's funeral is available at Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home. Interment will be private. To view Mary's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of Mom's caregivers during her time of need. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Northern Lights Hospice Care.