ROCKPORT — Mary Smith Wilson Taylor, 84, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle of declining health at Pen Bay Medical Center.

Born in Rockland, March 23, 1939, she was the daughter of Major Joseph Smith and Dorothy Cox Smith Collins. She attended Rockland schools and in her later years triumphantly earned her GED. Mary had many jobs throughout her life, starting as a waitress at the Log Cabin in Rockland. She then worked at various fish factories, including Forty Fathoms. She also worked at Sampsons Supermarket in Rockland for several years.

As a young woman, she married Albert William “Junior” Wilson, and together they had four wonderful children. In 1981, Mary went on to marry David Taylor. Together they moved to Stonington and shared a love for country music. Mary loved her time in Stonington, forming many lifelong friendships. She took pride in her work in the kitchen at the local nursing home, where she worked for many years.

Mary returned to Thomaston to be closer to family. She was the first resident at the Rocky Coast House in Thomaston and resided there until the time of her death. She enjoyed visiting and playing card games with other residents.

Mary spent many hours of her life crocheting and knitting beautiful blankets and sweaters for family and friends. She held tight to the memories of the time spent crocheting with her mother over the years. She and her sister Liz would often exchange patterns or help each other find a mistake. Sisters through and through, Mary and Liz loved to argue, but also made many great memories in their lives. They were regulars at local Chinese restaurants, where they often went weekly to enjoy their favorite food. Mary’s favorite show to watch was ER, always with her beloved cat, Bella, faithfully by her side.

Being one of six children, Mary had several nieces and nephews. To her nieces Nancy and Valerie, she was affectionately known as “Mammie”. Mary’s greatest passion was her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Mary is predeceased by her parents; three brothers, William Cox, Stephen Smith, and Pasquale George Smith; one sister, Lorraine Raye; two grandsons, Kendall Chandler and Timothy Wilson; a daughter in law, Charlene Wilson; and a niece, Nancy Cloutier.

She is survived by her daughter Linda Haskell; sons, Timothy Wilson and his partner April Wilkie, Kenneth Wilson and his wife Teresea, and Scott Wilson; her grandchildren, Chris Chandler, Kimberly Chandler and her husband Joel, Jennifer Wilson and her partner Eric Moody, Adam Wilson, Travis Wilson and his partner Susan Shepard, and Megan Wilson; sixteen great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; her sister Elizabeth Delano and her husband Robert; sister in law, Shirleen Smith; and several nieces, nephews and their families whom she loved dearly.

She also leaves behind her cat, Bella, who will now reside with her son Tim.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Maine Cancer Foundation, 170 US Route 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, Maine 04105.

Family and friends are invited to gather for the graveside service which will be held on July 8, 2023, at 10 a.m., at the Seaview Cemetery, Waldo Ave in Rockland, across from the Samoset Resort.

Those who would like to share a story or memory with Mary’s family may do so at their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.