Mary Guignard

BIDDEFORD – On March 8, 2023, Mary Guignard who was a beautiful woman inside and out, passed away in the presence of family. Mary (affectionately known as ‘the ice cream lady’) will be sadly missed by family and friends.

She is survived by her two daughters, Justine Tanguay and Renee Guignard, her son-in-law, Eric, her four grandchildren, Justin, Nikki, Espen, and Gemma, whom she loved with all her heart.

Mary grew up in Bar Harbor, Maine, and graduated valedictorian of her high school class. She later attended Wheaton College and earned a bachelor’s degree in English. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Paris, France, to study French. The love for all things French persisted throughout her life. She particularly enjoyed speaking French with her daughter Renee. Although she had always dreamed of returning to France, it never manifested because she met her husband, Richard. Together, they took over the family ice cream business – the Dairy Joy, located in Biddeford, Maine. Mary enjoyed meeting people and looked forward to seeing her regular customers (you know who you are). The secret ingredient in their ice cream was her love.

She was endeared to thousands of people because of her gentle nature and her kindness. Whether she was serving ice cream at the Dairy Joy or interacting with a friend, she was the best friend that anyone could have. Even after selling the business, she fondly remembered her customers as well as some of her former employees with whom she stayed connected.

Mary also loved animals, especially cats. She was a lover of knowledge and was always striving to learn more about everything. She was a particularly gifted writer, having completed an unpublished manuscript. Having grown up near the ocean, she had an affinity for the sea. She also enjoyed spending time in her garden of herbs and flowers.

The family invites all of Mary’s friends to come and celebrate her life with them on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at First Parish Congregational Church in Saco, Maine at 2 p.m.

Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home are entrusted with her services.

If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to an animal shelter of their choice or flowers may be offered at the time of her memorial service.