Mary Elizabeth Flaherty

Portland- Mary Elizabeth Flaherty, 84, passed away at Maine Medical Center on June 1, 2013 after suffering a stroke on May 6, 2013. She was born in Portland, the middle daughter of Stephen and Katherine (Mulkern) Flaherty. She attended Saint Dominic's grammar school and graduated from Cathedral High School. Soon after graduating from high school in 1948, Mary entered religious life and served for a time in the Native American parishes in eastern and northern Maine.

Mary left the religious life to return to Portland and care for her grandparents in the Gorham's Corner neighborhood. Later, she went to work for the New England Telephone Company and provided a home for the family of her younger sister Kathleen. She always made sure there were treats for the little ones, and books for the older children. Aunt Mary was known for her Whoopie pies, carrot cake (which was loved by so many of the kids), and her quilting (using a Celtic pattern). She was an avid reader of history and anything Irish. Upon retiring from Verizon, she was able to visit Ireland twice, including Galway, the birthplace of her beloved Nana. She and her late dear friend Betty Gorham enjoyed day trips to the Franciscan Monastery in Kennebunk followed by lunch at a favorite restaurant. Everyone will remember her as feisty with firm opinions on every subject, which she would gladly debate. She had a way of making a point and putting the fear of God in each of her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and their friends. There was no pulling the wool over her eyes, and she did not tolerate anything being sugar coated. With that said she also had a heart of gold and her generosity to her family was endless. She was always on time with birthday and anniversary cards and never forgot an important date.

Over the last several years Aunt Mary dedicated her time to our family, and specifically our brother Danny, who passed away last August. She said the rosary and prayed for all of us daily. The last 6 months of her life were some of her happiest times, after our sister Linda and her family moved into the house. The family home was once again filled with joy, laughter, and love. Aunt Mary commented many times on how she loved hearing the pitter patter of little footsteps upstairs. When entering the house, you were greeted by her sitting in her chair, and saying "Who is that", drawing you into her living room to update her on recent events.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Jean Flaherty and Kathleen O'Brion Final, and her nephew Danny O'Brion. She is survived by three nieces: Patrice O'Brion, Maureen O'Brion-Snowden and husband John, Linda O'Brion -Strout and husband Rob; four nephews: David O'Brion, Michael O'Brion and wife Debora, John O'Brion and wife Lina, Ronald O'Brion and wife Terry. She is also survived by seventeen great nieces and nephews, and eight great-great nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Wednesday June 5, 2013 from 2-4 and from 6-8 PM at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday June 6, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St. Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Thursday morning before Mass at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery and will be private.