Somesville, Maine – Mary Averill Somes, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by her family at her home in Somesville, Maine.
A Life of Grace and Dedication
Mary was born on March 15, 1930, in Somesville, Maine, to the late Benjamin and Evelyn Averill. Growing up in the picturesque coastal town, Mary was instilled with a love for the ocean, nature, and community that would shape the rest of her life. Mary’s early years were spent exploring the woods, beaches, and islands that surrounded her childhood home, fostering a deep connection with the landscape that would stay with her throughout her life. She graduated from Mount Desert Island High School in 1948, where she was an active participant in the drama club and the school choir.
After high school, Mary attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. It was at Colby that Mary met the love of her life, John Somes, a fellow student with whom she would later share 60 years of marriage. They married in 1953, and together they moved back to Somesville to begin their lives as a couple.
A Devoted Family Woman
Mary and John settled in the charming town of Somesville, where they raised three children: Benjamin, Emily, and Samuel. Mary was a dedicated and loving mother, always putting the needs of her children above her own. Whether attending school events, organizing family gatherings, or creating a warm and welcoming home, Mary’s love and devotion to her family were unmatched. She was known for her kind, nurturing spirit, and her children fondly remember her as a constant source of love, wisdom, and encouragement.
In addition to raising her children, Mary was deeply involved in the Somesville community. She was a longtime member of the Somesville Historical Society and contributed her time and energy to preserving the town’s rich history. She also volunteered at the local library, where she shared her love of literature with others, particularly children who were just beginning to discover the joys of reading.
A Passion for Nature and Art
Mary’s deep appreciation for the natural world was evident in her daily life. She spent countless hours exploring the trails and shores of Mount Desert Island, drawing inspiration from its beauty for her artistic pursuits. A talented painter, Mary’s work often featured landscapes, seascapes, and flora from her beloved home region. Her art was displayed in several local galleries, and she frequently participated in art shows in the area. Mary’s work was described as evocative and serene, capturing the quiet majesty of the Maine coastline in a way that resonated with all who viewed it.
In addition to painting, Mary was an avid gardener. She was known for her lush flower beds, which she tended with great care. Her love of gardening extended to her involvement with the Somesville Garden Club, where she participated in plant sales, garden tours, and local beautification projects. Her home was a sanctuary filled with flowers, plants, and artwork, a testament to her creativity and her passion for the beauty of the world around her.
A Woman of Faith and Service
Mary was a lifelong member of the Somesville Congregational Church, where she served in various capacities over the years, including as a Sunday school teacher, a deaconess, and a member of the church choir. Her faith was a central pillar of her life, and she found great joy in giving back to her church and the community. Whether volunteering at church events, hosting gatherings for fellowship, or offering a listening ear to those in need, Mary embodied the principles of compassion, kindness, and service.
Mary’s commitment to service extended beyond the walls of the church. She was an advocate for social justice and an active supporter of various local and national causes. She volunteered with organizations that focused on education, children’s services, and environmental protection. Her efforts helped improve the lives of countless individuals, and her impact on the community of Somesville will be felt for generations to come.
The Legacy of Love
Mary is survived by her children, Benjamin Somes and his wife, Elizabeth, of Portland, Maine; Emily Somes and her partner, Michael Greenfield, of Bar Harbor, Maine; and Samuel Somes and his wife, Sarah, of Somesville, Maine. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Olivia, Lucas, and Matthew Somes; Abigail and Samuel Greenfield; and Isabelle and Henry Somes. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John, who passed away in 2013, as well as her siblings, William and Margaret Averill.
Mary’s family takes great comfort in knowing that her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her devotion to family, her passion for art and nature, and her unwavering faith have left an indelible mark on the community of Somesville, where she will always be remembered as a cherished matriarch and friend.
A Celebration of Life
A memorial service will be held in Mary’s honor at the Somesville Congregational Church on Saturday, February 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The service will be followed by a reception in the church hall, where family and friends are invited to share memories and celebrate Mary’s remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Somesville Historical Society or the Somesville Congregational Church in Mary’s memory.
Mary Averill Somes will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her grace, generosity, and gentle spirit have touched countless lives, and her memory will continue to bring joy and inspiration to future generations.