Mary Theresa Crowe, 86, of Waldoboro, passed away after a brief illness at Maine Medical Center in Portland on the morning of Tuesday, January 15th, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Mary was born on October 11, 1926 in Boston, Massachusetts to Michael T. and Beatrice (Devereaux) Crowe, both of Tipperary, Ireland. She grew up in Roslindale, Massachusetts. After caring for her mother until her death, Mary attended college later in life. She earned a bachelor of liberal studies degree, majoring in history and minoring in political science, from Boston University in 1971. She went on to attend Simmons College, earning a master’s degree in library science in 1973.

Mary worked from 1948 to 1973 at the Boston Public Library, serving as a library assistant until 1966 and thereafter as a librarian. After receiving her master’s degree, she joined the staff of Boston University’s Mugar Memorial Library, serving as Head of Circulation from 1974 to 1979. She was then promoted to Head of Bibliographic Services, a position she held until her retirement in 1991. Mary enjoyed several summers in Waldoboro with her niece and, in 2009, moved to Waldoboro from her home in Andover, Massachusetts.

Mary was a keen follower of U.S. and international politics and loved nothing more than a political debate. If one entered into a discussion on politics with her, one had better have one’s facts straight! Mary was an avid reader, especially of mysteries. She often could be seen at Maine Coast Book Shop in Damariscotta consulting with staff, and especially with staff member Sue Richardson, on the latest international mystery novels. She loved gourmet cooking and was especially proud of her flower garden. Mary enjoyed doing the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle every week, often completing it on her own.

Mary T. CroweBesides her parents, Mary is predeceased by her sister, Gloria T. McDougal of Quincy, Massachusetts; brother Fred M. Brown of Charlestown, Massachusetts; and cousin, Mary (Crowe) Vaillancourt of Braintree, Massachusetts. She is survived by her brother Paul M. Crowe of Quincy, Massachusetts; and niece, Julie Delory and husband Chuck Delory of Waldoboro, Maine.

There will be a celebration of Mary’s life in the upcoming spring, details of which will be published in the Lincoln County News. Condolences may be expressed through Hall Funeral Home in Waldoboro (http://www.hallfuneralhomes.com). Donations in Mary’s name may be made to either the Lincoln County Animal Shelter (P.O. Box 7,
Edgecomb, ME 04556) or to the Waldoboro Public Library (958 Main Street, Waldoboro, ME 04572).