Mary B. Kessler

Southwest Harbor

Mary Bernice Kessler, 94, of Southwest Harbor passed away (after a brief illness) on January 7, 2025, at Birch Bay Village with her daughters by her side. She was born November 12, 1931, in Verdun, Montreal, Province of Quebec, to Soloman and Ada (Evans) Janes.

A month later the family returned to their hometown of Port aux Basque, Newfoundland, where Mary grew up. At a dance she met her future husband, Paul Kessler, a US Coast Guard Engineer stationed in Port aux Basque. They were married in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, in 1950, before Paul's work relocated them to the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee, where they welcomed their first daughter, Carol, in 1951.

Paul's career then brought them to Downeast Maine, where he served at several lighthouses, including West Quoddy Head. Then they were transferred to Southwest Harbor Coast Guard Base. Also, Mary and Paul spent 10 years on the Ohio River serving the US Coast Guard.

Upon retiring to Southwest Harbor in 1965, Mary opened the Kob & Kurl hair salon and Paul opened Paul's Repair Service. They welcomed a second daughter, Cheryl, in 1968. Mary was a member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church. They both enjoyed playing cards and camping with friends and family.

Mary is survived by her daughter Carol Walls and husband Donald of Somesville; daughter Cheryl Young and husband Shawn of Bar Harbor; brother George Janes and Felice of Southwest Harbor; grandson Travis Walls and Ashley Rosborough of Southwest Harbor; granddaughter Melissa Walls and Dana Pelletier of Bar Harbor; niece Jennifer Janes and Jason Allen; nephew Matthew and Kara Janes; and great-grandson Tyson Kessler Walls, with whom she shared a special bond and loved very much.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers and staff at Birch Bay Village. The compassion shown to our mother was of great comfort to her and our family.

A private ceremony will be held in the spring.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com