Marilyn Jean Hardy Mountain

Marilyn Hardy Mountain, 96, of South Portland died peacefully at the home of one of her children where she was lovingly cared for and spent time with family during her final ten weeks. She will be forever missed by her five children, their partners, nine grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. Her children are James E. Mountain, Jr. of Saco, Marie L Clements of Buxton, Annette M. Berube of Gorham, Rosalie J. McMullen of Scarborough and Shawn E. Mountain of Standish. She is also survived by her brother, Edward Marshall Hardy, and his wife, Sue, of Brunswick. Her husband of 70 years, James E Mountain,Sr., passed away in 2020. Her parents and their first-born infant, Thomas Jr., are also deceased.

Marilyn was born April 30, 1929 in Lancaster, New Hampshire to Gladys Marshall Hardy and Thomas Phillip Hardy. She was the first baby born by C-section north of Boston. The plan was to go to Boston, but after many conversations with other doctors, the local doctor was convinced he could do it, and he did. Marilyn was the only child and the only grandchild until her brother Ed was born in 1937. She had a heart murmur all her life and her parents protected her as a result. She was not allowed to play sports or participate in gym class. However, she grew up on a one-man farm and when old enough, she had to learn to drive the horses to help with haying. The huge horse made her nervous. She did not like the hayfield or the hot sun, but her help was needed so she did her part. There always was a family garden, chickens for eggs, and homemade butter, cottage cheese and soap. They skated, sledded, and skied on their property. Marilyn took piano, trumpet and clarinet lessons, and played in the school and town bands for many years. Her love of music continued throughout her life, and she had a piano in her home for many years. She graduated from Lancaster Academy in June 1947 and worked in a law office in Lancaster until 1950.

Marilyn married James Edwin Mountain on November 11, 1950, at All Saints Church in Lancaster. When first married, Jim and Marilyn worked at a hotel in Saint Augustine, Florida and then at the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. After moving to Kittery Maine, Marilyn worked at a company that made furniture, and after her first child was born, she hand-beaded shoes from home. In April 1960, they bought a home in South Portland, Maine where they raised their children and James lived until he passed away in 2020. Marilyn continued to live there until shortly before her death. It was an amazing home for 65 years!

Marilyn was a thoughtful homemaker and always kept very busy. She managed the finances and could stretch money like no other! Food was never wasted and any leftovers were used in various ways until they were gone. She personally hung wallpaper, painted and refinished furniture. She was a master of many crafts,and sewed everything from clothing to bedspreads. She also crocheted, and knit clothes, afghans and doll clothes,and made dolls and stuffed animals.

In addition to his birthday, Marilyn remembered the day her brother was born as the day she learned to knit. Her grandmother and aunt taught her while nervously waiting for news of his birth. Due to concerns about the pregnancy, Marilyn had not been told her mother was expecting. She was surprised with news of a baby brother when her father picked her later in the day! Marilyn enjoyed knitting and made sweaters for many family members and friends. A favorite pattern was called the Wallaby. Over the years, she knit Wallabies of all sizes.

When the children got older, Marilyn wanted to do something other than be at home. She had good office skills previously, but technology had been introduced while she was not working. To get up to speed, she volunteered at the school office, and then found a series of part-time jobs. She was hired as a temp at Union Mutual, now Unum, and became full-time in 1978. She held several positions, primarily in the Legal Department until retiring in December 1993. After she retired, Marilyn started hand quilting and made many beautiful quilts and wall hangings.

Marilyn and James raised five children, all of whom graduated from South Portland High School with honors. She was famous for her “three-minute lectures“ of guidance, so if something came up in the future, her children could not say “Why didn’t you tell me?“ The three-minute lectures and her voice are fondly remembered as a reminder of her love.

Marilyn, Mother Mountain, often invited her children’s friends for meals, and her home was a favorite hangout over the years. She was known to occasionally give them direction and three-minute lectures too! Two of those boys grew up to be wonderful men who helped her and James to stay in their beloved home during their final years by faithfully shoveling, taking out the trash and plowing. Special thanks to Jay Dodge and “Brother“ Bob Van Der Meiren! The family appreciates all your efforts. You meant a lot to Marilyn, and she was proud of the men you became.

Marilyn made every day special for her family, especially holidays. The decorations, gifts and food she made were all wonderful and made great memories for all. She loved her grandchildren and tried to spend quality time with each of them. She was very proud of the people her grandchildren grew into and was grateful to have lived long enough to see them as successful adults, and some as parents themselves.

The family wishes to thank Northern Lights Hospice for the amazing care and support they provided to Marilyn and the family. You are very appreciated and doing God‘s work! Thank you all, especially Haley Davis her nurse and Tammy Ingraham, and Steph Allen her CNAs.

Service will be private.