Mary Elizabeth Earle

ORONO – Mary Elizabeth Earle, one of the most loving, kind and generous souls who ever walked this earth- passed peacefully in her sleep on March 24, 2026, at her current residence of Dirigo Pines in Orono. She was neither sick nor had any chronic physical illnesses- her body simply decided it was time. At 94 years old, she left this world the same way she lived in it: with grace and without burdening anyone.

Mary was born at home on North Avenue in Skowhegan, on Jan. 24, 1932, the daughter of Maude and John Pooler. One of four siblings, Mary, grew up in the same town, working at Grant’s Department Store through high school, and graduating from Skowhegan Area High School in 1950. She later completed a one-year program at Pelletier’s School for Hair Dressing in Lewiston, then worked briefly in a local salon before marrying Robert W. Earle in 1952.

Together, Mary and “Bobby” built a life rooted in hard work and family as they operated their 365-acre dairy farm, Grassland Farms, on Malbons Mills Road, for 36 years. Though she was small in both size and stature (never weighing more than one hundred pounds, wearing a size four shoe and clothes from the children’s department), Mary was the steady force behind it all. She brought in the cows-fed and milked them, worked in the fields, cooked for the hired help and the family, and somehow managed to keep everything running smoothly around the unending chores and demands that farming entails. At the same time, she was a constant, loving and enduring presence for her children and the grandchildren (who fondly referred to her as Nan, Nanny or The Nanners) supporting all their activities and ambitions. She simply made sure everything was done, everyone was cared for, and that the needs of others were always met.

After retiring from farming, Mary worked for a time as a substitute in the cafeteria for the Skowhegan school system. She especially enjoyed her home on Coburn Avenue, refinishing furniture, taking a ride to Walmart in her beloved jeep, “puttering around the house,” watching the nightly episode of Wheel of Fortune and taking many walks to the local library to feed her love of reading.

Mary never cared much about material things. What mattered most to her was time spent with family- helping her children and grandchildren in countless ways, gathering around the table for Sunday dinners and holiday meals, and visits with friends and neighbors. Her home (and kitchen) was always open, and she fed everybody who showed up at the door. Those lucky enough to enjoy any of her home cooking, especially her garden grown vegetables, desserts, refrigerator pickles, and most of all- her famous tourtière pies, always came back wanting more.

Mary is survived by daughter Dawn Bearor and husband Stephen of Hampden, grandchildren, Rob Harville and wife Jen of Scarborough, Erin Davis and husband Patrick Dore of Skowhegan, Casey Bearor and wife Jacqueline of Hampden, Christopher Bearor of Pattaya, Thailand, and Mike Earle of Skowhegan; step grandchildren Ryan Burkhart and wife Emily of Saco and Brady Burkhart of Windham; daughter-in-law Ida Earle of Skowhegan and son-in-law Richard Theriault of Sylmar, California; and great-grandchildren Hazel Harville, Finley and Maxwell Dore, Alexander and Jackson Bearor, along with step great grandchildren Weston and Millie Burkhart. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Robert Earle; her daughters Judy Theriault and Jane Earle Little, her son Michael Earle, her grandchildren Adam Harville and Chelsea Bearor; and all her siblings.

Mary will be fondly remembered for her kindness and generosity and leaves behind an extended family that was greatly shaped by her influence. She will be missed every day.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the staff of Dirigo Pines in Orono and former residence, Redington Memorial Home in Skowhegan, for the care and compassion they showed Mary.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on June 5, 2026, at Christ the King Parish in Skowhegan, followed by a luncheon and Celebration of Life from 12 to 2 p.m., at the Somerset Valley Remembrance Center, 19 Washburn Lane, Skowhegan. All are welcome.

Arrangements are under the care of Somerset Valley Remembrance Center, Skowhegan, Maine. Condolences may be expressed through their website: http://www.svremembrancecenter.com.

“Though she is gone from our sight, she will never be gone from our hearts.”

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Mary’s wishes, donations may be made in memory of granddaughter Chelsea Bearor to The Children’s Hospital, Boston, via their website: secure.childrenshospital.org Scroll to “other” selection to indicate the donation is specifically for the Renal Research Fund, Or:

in memory of grandson Adam Harville to The American Heart Association. Instructions for mailing or making an on-line secure donation are available through their website: http://www.heart.org.