AUGUSTA – Mary Frances Whalen, of Augusta, died peacefully at home on August 16, 2021 having just turned 97. She was born in Brewer to Sarah M. (Kennedy) and Patrick E. Whalen.

As a child, Mary spent many years in northern and central Maine She left Maine briefly in her adult years to attend Rutgers University where she received her library degree. She worked as a children’s librarian in New Jersey and Rhode Island, and then returned to her beloved State of Maine where she settled in Augusta. Mary finished her professional career working as an archivist for the State of Maine.

Mary’s passions during her long life were reading and collecting books. She enjoyed many trips to Ireland and Italy. She loved the outdoors and took daily walks until she was 96.

Mary was preceded in death by her mother, father; and siblings, including her twin brothers who died in infancy, a sister, Alice Whalen who died as a child, her sister, Patricia E. (Whalen) Cole, and her sister, Margaret Anne Whalen.

She is survived by one niece, MaryEllen (Cole) Logue; and grand nieces and grand nephews of Massachusetts.

It was Mary’s wish not to have any services. Her nieces will gather privately to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Childrens’ Research Hospital, stjude.org/donatetoday.