Mary D. Finley

SKOWHEGAN – Mary D. Finley passed away peacefully Sept. 7, 2022, at the age of 91, while out for a ride in the countryside with her caregiver. On this sunny day she was riding down Hunnewell Road along Wesserunsett Lake. This particular long dirt camp road and lake meant so much to Mary; a place with decades of memories with her family, both immediate and extended; memories she cherished greatly.

She was born in Bingham on May 18, 1931, the eldest daughter of Hermaline Boyd and Murray F. Decker. Mary grew up in Blanchard and Fryeburg, graduating from Fryeburg Academy in 1949. Mary and her sister Sally’s fondest memories were growing up in the small logging town of Blanchard with grandparents Isola Farrin and Charles Decker in a large farmhouse along the Piscatiquis River and neighbors Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Tom Farrin.

After graduating high school in 1949, Mary was diagnosed with tuberculosis and was admitted to the Central Maine Sanatorium in Fairfield where she lived as an admitted inpatient for the next three years of her life to receive care and treatment for TB. In true Mary fashion, she defied the odds of survival for TB at that time and was discharged from the sanatorium in 1952.

After Mary’s prolonged illness and recovery from tuberculosis, she moved to Skowhegan to live with her grandmother, Sarah Wentworth Boyd. Mary worked at Lafond’s clothing store in downtown Skowhegan, which is where she met her husband, Raymond K. Finley, whom she married in 1955. In their 65 years of marriage, Ray and Mary raised three sons, Sean, Gavan and Michael on the Back Road of Skowhegan along with cats, dogs, goats, chickens and horses.

Mary enjoyed her role as home maker having many interests including antiquing, furniture refinishing, rug braiding, oil painting, crafts and gardening. Ray and Mary also traveled throughout the United States and Europe spending a lot of time in Ballyvaughan, Ireland and Casa Grande, Ariz.

Mary’s grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She was a fixture on the sideline and in the stands for their sporting events. Her voice and smile would light up the room anytime she picked up the phone and heard one of her grandchildren on the other end.

Mary was predeceased by her parents; grandparents; her husband, Raymond; her sister, Sarah “Sally” Decker, her brother, Charles Decker; and two sons, Sean and Michael Finley.

She is survived by her son, Gavan; six grandchildren, Patrick, Mallory, Alexandra, Gregory, Meghan and Riley Finley; one great-grandson, Silas Finley; life-long friend and cousin, Ann McGowen; and special niece, Shelly Anne.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to Donna True for the heartfelt care she provided to Mary for many years.

Arrangements are under the care of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home in Skowhegan. At the request of the deceased there will be no services.