While attending Thornton Academy, Marie was a drummer in the TA band, and also played for local musicians in Old Orchard Beach. Following high school, she enlisted in the Air Force where, as a member of the Drum and Bugle Corp, she marched in several Rose Bowl parades.
Marie met her husband, Charles, at Eglin Air Force Base and they raised their family on various bases throughout the U.S., and in Turkey during the Turkish-Cypress crisis.
Widowed at 33, Marie returned to Maine, and graduated with a double major from St. Francis College in 1976. She was a member of the American Legion, taught CCD classes, tutored French, and worked for the Maine Turnpike until she retired.
Marie’s deep Christian faith and fortitude enabled her to raise five children with dedication and a sense of humor. Marie enjoyed cycling on the Casco Bay Islands with her family, landscaping, rescuing stray cats, oil painting, and creating Victorian doll portraits. Her engaging smile and cheerful spirit touched the hearts of family and friends; she will forever live in our hearts.
Marie was predeceased by her husband, Charles, on Oct. 10, 1968. She is survived by her five children, Debra Hemenway and her husband Philip of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Douglas Bruner and his wife Susan of Victoria, Minnesota, Nathan Bruner and his wife Emma of Saco, Margaret Gay and her husband Steven of Saco, and Andrew Bruner of Miami, Florida.
Marie leaves behind two sisters, Doris Gervais of Saco and Jeanette Frenette of Old Orchard Beach as well as nine grandchildren, and four great-granddaughters,.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017 at St. Margaret Church, 6 Saco Ave., Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Interment will immediately follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 293 Beach St., Saco.
To view Marie’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in her name to the Animal Welfare Society – P.O. Box 43, West Kennebunk, Maine 04094
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