Marie Viola (Mason) McCann

CAPE ELIZABETH – Marie Viola (Mason) McCann passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 5, 2025, due to natural causes of a life well-lived at 89, with her loving family by her side.

Marie was born on May 10, 1936, in Kezar Falls Village, in Parsonsfield, to Lawrence Paul Mason and Helen Viola (Pratt) Mason at Helen’s family home. Her childhood was filled with fond memories of gardening, animals, and adventures at her family home on Summit Street in Portland. She attended St. Joseph’s Grammar School and Cathedral High School.

She received her bachelor’s degree in Education at Saint Joseph’s College in Windham, and her master’s degree in Education and Administration at the University of Southern Maine.

Her career in education spanned from Suffield, Conn., to Southern Maine. She spent many enjoyable years at Pownal Elementary School, teaching kindergarten to Grade 3 students, then as curriculum coordinator, culminating her career as interim building administrator. Marie was a dedicated lifelong learner, including travel to England, Denmark, and Russia for professional study of educational systems.

For many years, Marie’s family ran Mason’s Variety on Main Street in Gorham. In 1960, Marie married Donald J. McCann from New York City, N.Y. They shared a love for the theatre, arts, literature, fashionable clothing, and throwing memorable dinner parties. In 1961, Lynda (spouse Tollef Olson), was born.

Don predeceased Marie in 1976. Not long after Don’s death, Marie and Grandma Helen introduced Lynda to a lifelong love for travel. They spent a month in Europe visiting friends in Germany, Switzerland, and France. Museums, literary locations, historic sites, and a quarter-century wine fest were on the itinerary.

Marie delighted in the company of her many friends and colleagues. She enjoyed volunteering at the Maine State Music Theatre, led book groups, participated enthusiastically in Senior College, and traveled extensively. Marie, known as “Rierie,” adored her grandchildren, Pratt and Leif Olson, even more than chocolate. She was thrilled to support Pratt and Leif with her accumulated frequent-flier miles for a sibling adventure to Central America. The following year, Leif and “Rierie” met Pratt in Europe to ski the Alps. Marie was the beloved adopted aunt of the Hagerty family, whom she came to know through her friendship with their mother, Yvonne, a childhood friend and college roommate. Marie’s spirit lives on in the family’s enjoyment of a delicious meal with friends, love for nature, literature, the arts, and travel.

The McCann-Olson family is grateful to the capable and attentive staff at the Landing in Cape Elizabeth for their care for “Rierie” and to Northern Light Hospice for their compassion and expertise.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 4 at St. Jude’s Church on Main Street in Freeport, followed by a committal service at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yarmouth.

You may offer your condolences or share your memories at http://www.lindquistfuneralhome.com

In place of flowers,

please make donations

in Marie’s name to

Maine State Music Theatre

or Saint Joseph’s College.