Mary Bright

SOUTH PORTLAND — Marie Harvey Bright, 90, passed away Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation & Residence in Portland from congestive heart failure.

Born on May 25, 1926, the second oldest of eight siblings, to Earl and Myrtle (Tibbetts) Harvey, she grew up in Millinocket and attended Stearns and later Brunswick High School.

Her father’s work at paper mills and shipyards brought many moves before settling in West Bath during WWII. In 1943, when the war effort needed welders, Marie and her older sister, Barbara, began at BIW, where she became a tack welder of the ships’ hulls. Her time working and living in Bath with its bustle of activity, stores and shopping along Front Street, friendships, and family always brought a smile to Marie’s face when reminiscing.

This was followed by a move to Washington, D.C., where she met and married her husband, Arthur C. Bright, serving in the U.S. Air Force. She embraced the area with its rich history, amenities, and time shared with her brother, Carl, and wife Rita, also stationed in the area, as well as visits by her younger sisters, Sharon and Isabel.

She enjoyed her work as a waitress at the now Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, serving guests such as John and Bobby Kennedy, John Wayne, Esther Williams, Rosalind Russell, Pat Nixon, and General Douglas MacArthur.

Her husband’s military tour to Turkey would bring Marie and their children, James, and Patricia, back to South Berwick. By 1962, Fairchild A.F.B. in Spokane, Wash., became their new address. In 1965, her husband retired, and they returned to Maine to be closer to her family, whom she had dearly missed. They settled in Gorham and Marie began work at the university snack bar. She enjoyed her job and the many students and staff who frequented it. She also later worked at MMC, then Southern Maine Technical Vocational Center until her retirement.

Marie’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving, caring mother and grandmother — always there for each of us with her support and never missing a birthday celebration. She cherished the arrival of her grandchildren: Jennifer, Rebecca, Tim, and Chris, and great-grandchildren Sarah and Dominic. She was their loving and devoted “Grams.” Summer cookouts surrounded by family and the annual family reunion brought her much happiness.

She had a passion for gardening, which she passed on to her daughter, Patricia. They spent many visits discussing what was in bloom, soon to be, and next year’s vegetable garden choices. Each fall brought a trip to the apple orchard for “drops” to make her batch of applesauce for the grandkids.

Marie’s sense of humor was ever-present and her laughter lasting. She will be dearly missed, always loved, and a blessing to each of us for being such a part of our lives through the years.

She is survived by her son, James L. Bright of Bar Mills and Leesburg, Fla.; daughter, Patricia Bright Youland of Westbrook; her four grandchildren including Tim Bright of Bridgton; two great-grandchildren; her sister, Sharon Beane of Durham; brother, Carl Harvey, of Hampton, N.H.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Earl and Myrtle Harvey; her husband, Arthur C. Bright, in 1970; sisters, Barbara Kaherl, Isabel Pressley and Sally Hart; brothers, Charles, Gordon and Danny Harvey; and a nephew.

At Marie’s request, there will be no services. Arrangements are in the care of Chad E. Poitras Cremation, Long Plains Road, Buxton. To sign the guestbook of condolence, please visit: www.mainefuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation & Residence, 1133 Washington Avenue, Portland, ME 04103.