Mary Ellen Stuart

Portland- Mary Ellen Stuart, 89, formerly of South Portland died peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at Maine Medical Center following a long illness, her loving family was by her side. She was born in Portland, Maine on September 1, 1925 the daughter of William E. Sr. and Mary E. Davis Quinn. Mary lost both of her parents at a young age and was raised with her sisters at the St. Elizabeth Home in Portland from the age of 9. On August 12, 1978 she married Robert E. Stuart in Portland, Maine. Mary worked her entire life as a nurse. She started at the Portland City Hospital and then moved to the Barron Center, a career from which she retired in 1984 after more than thirty four years of caring for the elderly. She had a large heart and a gentle compassion for the many people she cared for over the years. In her spare time she loved to go dancing, once she hit the dance floor she wouldnt leave until the music ended. Gigi, as she was affectionately called, was known for her famous back rubs, she had a love for all animals especially her cockatiels. Her greatest love was the time she spent surrounded by her loving family. Mary was predeceased by her husband Robert E. Stuart in 2006 along with a sister Josephine Crockett and three brothers William Jr., John and James Quinn. She is survived by a sister Theresa Clement of Westbrook; a special niece and caregiver of many years Nancy Stults of Portland along with many nieces, nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, February 16, 2015 at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway from 4:00 to 6:00pm. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 10:15 on Tuesday, February 17th followed by an 11:00am Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Burial will be private in the spring at Highland Memorial Cemetery, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com Those who wish may make contributions in Marys memory to: Animal Refugee League, PO Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04092