OAKLAND – Mary Berard, 77, of Oakland, passed away peacefully on Sept. 4, 2025, after a prolonged illness.

Mary was born on May 1, 1948, in Waterville, to Albert S. Bangs, Sr. and Mary Bolduc Bangs, and grew up in Waterville with her family which also included her siblings Albert “Stanley” Bangs, Jr. and Nancy Bangs Mower.

She married her first love, Daniel Berard, Sr., and they started their own family with the births of Dan Jr. and Cristal. Everyone Mary encountered fell in love with her, as she exuded kindness, compassion, and tenderness, and always cared for others before herself.

Mary’s family, friends, neighbors and pets were very important to her throughout her life. When her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Mary opened her home and cared for her for many years. They had a bond like no other and shared many laughs while creating lasting memories together.

Mary had a deep love for creating and found joy in working with her hands. Whether she was knitting, sewing, painting, crafting, gardening, or building, her creativity and attention to detail were evident in everything she touched. Her talents brought beauty and comfort to those around her, and she was always happiest when making something meaningful for others. She also loved to dance, listen to music, enjoy the outdoors, spend time with friends and family, and care for her pets. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and neighbor, and will be sadly missed by all who loved her so much.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Albert S. Bangs, Jr. and Mary Bolduc Bangs; her brother, Albert “Stanley” Bangs, Jr., her sister, Nancy Bangs Mower; and her niece, Darlene Dunton Benedict.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Daniel Berard, Sr.; her son, Daniel Berard, Jr., her daughter, Cristal Berard Southwick; her grandchildren Cierra Lopez and husband Michael, Mallory Farnsworth and husband Nicholas, Danielle Berard, Jacob Berard, Conlan Southwick and partner Payton Goguen, and Talia Southwick; her great-grandchildren Jayce Lopez, Peyson Lopez and Ezra Farnsworth; her nieces and nephews, Terri Newell, Tracey Stevens and her husband Jacob, Sarah Bard, Hannah Bard, and Ronnie Dunton and his wife Donna; and many other family members.

The family would like to say a special thank you to all the staff at Bedside Manor who lovingly helped care for Mary for many months. Additionally, they would also like to thank Shelly. Your care, love, and guidance has been instrumental over the last few years.

Arrangements are under the care of Wheeler Funeral Home. There will be a service at Maine Veteran’s Cemetery on Monday Sept. 22, 2025, for immediate family only. A celebration of life will be held on Monday Sept. 22, at 1:30 p.m. at the Winslow VFW with light refreshments for all family and friends. Please bring yourself and your memories to share.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Waterville Humane Society in memory of Mary Berard.