Mary Christine Fortier

WINSLOW – Mary Christine Fortier, 85, of Winslow, went peacefully to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 18, 2021, at Lakewood Continuing Care in Waterville, with her son by her side.

She was born in Winslow on July 24, 1935, the daughter of William and Victoria (Lukaszewicz) Wasiuk. Mary was proud of her immigrant parents and Polish heritage and enjoyed the diverse neighborhood off Clinton Avenue in Winslow where she grew up with her siblings and began many lifelong friendships and traditions.

She graduated from Winslow High School and Thomas Business College in Waterville. Mary was employed by Scott Paper Company in Winslow where she worked as a secretary in the finishing department. She also served as President of the Office & Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 260. She retired from Scott Paper Company after 37 years of service and proud of the fact that she never missed a day of work. She later worked for several years as a membership specialist at Champions Fitness Center in Waterville.

She married former husband James Fortier in 1963, and had a son Jon, her only child.

Mary’s beautiful sparkling hazel eyes drew you into her vivacious personality and soul. A sparkle that conveyed a warmth and affection that would put anyone at ease. She loved to be with people and could literally talk up a storm (with some at times finding it necessary to seek shelter). She was also quite the mischievous flirt. On a group trip to Hawaii in the 70’s, she attended a performance of singer Don Ho and managed to sneak onto the stage and plant a kiss on the crooner, announcing triumphantly “This one’s from Maine!”. Just an example of a gregarious behavior she displayed throughout her life.

Where there’s bright lights and excitement, there’s people…and of course, there’s Mary! She was an ardent fan of the local casinos and enjoyed playing the slots. Mary had a circle of friends with whom she would share rides to Bangor and Oxford and rarely missed a bus trip to Foxwoods in Connecticut. Win or lose, it was always a story of how much fun she had with her friends. She also enjoyed visiting friends and family out of state, taking numerous cruises, trips to Las Vegas, as well as a cross country RV trip she took with friends for an entire summer.

Although Mary had no grandchildren, she was very fond of her nieces and nephews and their children. She loved a good bargain and always on the search for gifts to send off to them all…and she expected pictures! When she did get them, the excitement and smile on her face was nothing less than priceless.

Without question, the pride and joy of her life was her son Jon, whom she raised as a single parent. Her proudest day was when she reunited with siblings and family to attend his graduation from Maine Maritime Academy. Mary enjoyed spending time at his country home in Winslow, especially walking her grand-dogs Bella and Lyla. Never one to let her son go hungry, she frequently showed up with a home cooked meal and her cabbage rolls were always well received!

Mary was well known in the community and cherished the relationships she developed over the years. She was a devout Catholic and an Associate of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. She visited many people in nursing homes and folks who may have been shut ins. She valued character and had a love for those who were less fortunate. She will be missed by those she touched with her compassion.

Mary was predeceased by her parents; brother Stan, sisters Evelyn and Judy. She is survived by son Jon; sister Pauline; nephews Dan and Jay, nieces Angela and Cari and their children.

A mass will be held on Saturday, July 10, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Church, 26 Monument Street in Winslow. A celebration of life will follow at the Best Western Plus Waterville Grand Hotel, 375 Main St. in Waterville. Private burial will be held at a later date.

The family would like to extend gratitude to the staff at Northern Light Continuing Care Lakewood and Beacon Hospice nurses for their compassion and care in making Mary’s final months happy and comfortable. They would also like to offer warm thanks to all who called, wrote, or sent cards and flowers. Special thanks to her cousin Rose (Zelenkewich) Hymers of Waterville and good friend Pauline Moen of Winslow for their constant and caring love and support.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers,

donations in Mary’s memory may be sent to:

Sisters of Saint Joseph

80 Garland Rd.

Winslow, ME 04901