She was born on September 7, 1919 the daughter of Harold R. and Nellie (Stockwell) Moxcey in Yarmouth ME. She attended local schools and has been part of the Yarmouth community for most of her life. She and her mother raised her 4 children, Gary, Shirley, Sheila, and Joyce until she met and married Harvey Burns in 1957. He passed away in December 2002. Mary and Harvey (Bill) spent almost 16 years wintering together in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where she could enjoy her love of the ocean and beach.
Mary was a hard working lady, always providing for her children. She worked at Howard Johnson’s and Harriman’s IGA. She and her mother ran a bakery from her home. Mary also ran a yarn business from home, and eventually she and Harvey became the owners of Andy’s Handy Store before her son, Gary, and daughter- in- law, Pat bought it, keeping it in the family. Active was a word that could be used to describe Mary as she was involved with the Woman’s Club of Yarmouth and the Yarmouth Grange. She and six of her friends from the First Parish Church became known as the “Magnificent 7” raising money for the church at the Clam Festival, Church suppers, and numerous other activities. She was known for her apple pies receiving requests for them on a regular basis and never really saying no to anyone that asked. In her early years throughout her yard you could easily see her passion for the outside through her rock gardens and flowers that she so proudly maintained. She loved animals and enjoyed watching deer wander through her yard. It is said that if she tapped a peanut on her kitchen window she had a special squirrel that would come running to receive its treat.
With all that she did for her church, friends, and community she was the matriarch of 6 generations of family. She would always make sure that when any of her grandchildren stopped by the house there was a cookie jar for them to dip their hand into pulling out a home baked cookie. Her door was always open to her family and especially her generations of grandchildren whom she loved and adored. In the winter her grandchildren would get a hand knit pair of mittens and many would end up with a second pair to make sure their hands where always warm. She was a very sharp lady and with a great sense of humor. Right up until her passing she would attend morning coffee with her friends and family becoming known as Mother Mary too many, first McDonald’s and most recently Toddy Brook. Most mornings her coffee was free.
Two things that Mary would want everyone to remember is too always “just say thank you” if someone was nice or wanted to buy you something. She would also tell you to “be kind to one another”, no matter what the situation.
She is survived by her children: son Gary and his wife Pat Ricker of Yarmouth, daughters Shirley and her husband Paul Lessard of Topsham, Sheila Collins of Yarmouth, Joyce and her husband Don Tanguay of South Portland; step children Barry and Linda Burns of Florida and Dianna Thibeault of Brunswick; and 4 generations of grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Harvey “Bill” Burns, a brother Roland S. Moxcey, her son-in-law, Wayne Collins and her parents.
The family would like to invite you to visiting hours on Monday April 2nd from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Lindquist Funeral Home, 1 Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth 207-846-4011. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Tuesday April 3rd at 11:00am at First Parish Congregational Church, 116 Main St., Yarmouth followed by a time of fellowship in the Friendship Hall at the church.
You may offer your condolences or share your stories at www.lindquistfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to: Hospice of Southern Maine 180 US Route 1 Scarborough ME 04074 or Yarmouth Fire-Rescue PO Box 964 178 North Road Yarmouth ME 04096.
