Mary Jo Gilchrest

CAPE ELIZABETH – Mary Jo Gilchrest of Cape Elizabeth passed away peacefully on Sept. 21, 2025.

A South Portland native, and was one of three children to the late Edmund and Mary Lawler. She was a graduate of South Portland High School and worked as a secretary for local medical offices and at InterMed for over 40 years.

She is survived by her husband, William Gilchrest of whom she’d been married to for 51 years. It was fate that brought them together and a love to rival for all eternity. She also leaves behind her two sons, Ryan Gilchrest (his wife, Samantha), and Aaron Gilchrest (his partner, Tracy McKenzie). She was immensely loved by her grandchildren, Koi Goodno and Olivia Gilchrest and will be greatly missed by Nash and Aldan Alexander and Piper. She will be remembered by her brothers Timothy Lawler (his wife, Terry), Edmund Lawler Jr.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Jo was always one to care deeply for others and ask nothing in return. She was a communicant of St. Bartholomew’s Church where she served on the parish council and was a Eucharistic Minister. She volunteered to deliver sacrament to local assisted living facilities and found other ways to give back throughout the community when needed.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Church, 8 Two Lights Rd., Cape Elizabeth. Burial will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. To view Mary Jo’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

In lieu of flowers,

the family requests that donations be made in Mary Jo’s memory to the

Covenant House

P.O. Box 758636

Topeka, KS 66675