SULLIVAN
Mary Ardelia Welsh, 90, died peacefully on Feb. 6, 2018, at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth.
Born on Jan. 16, 1928, in New York City, N.Y., the noted visual artist and children’s book author was the daughter of William and Irma Reddick. She was predeceased by her brother, William (Bill) Reddick, and her husband, Joseph Welsh.
Mary’s childhood and early life were spent in New York and California. In the Los Angeles area, she attended the K-12 Chadwick School in Palos Verdes as well as Beverly Hills High School. She recalled being invited to Shirley Temple’s 15th birthday and giving handkerchiefs to the movie star. Later in life, she attended L.A.’s Art Center College of Design and Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colo. In New York, she studied at Thomas Aquinas College.
Well known in many circles, Mary was a fine artist who created public murals at the Sullivan-Sorrento Recreational Center, among other places. Her pet and family portraits hang in many local households. She also taught art through RSU 24 Adult Education and other organizations. She served as librarian at the Frenchman’s Bay Library in Sullivan. She regularly attended a meditation group and was a faithful parishioner at the Ashville Community Church. She also volunteered at Hospice of Hancock County.
In addition, Mary was a great storyteller and penned the children’s book “Sammy the Little Green Snake Who Wanted to Fly.”
Mary leaves her daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Bernie McLoughlin and grandchildren Sean and Brittany McLoughlin, who live in Boca Raton, Fla. She also is survived by her brother James (JP) Reddick and his wife Katie of Knoxville, Tenn. and their children as well as many friends.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held July 15 at 1p.m. at the Ashville Community Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Hospice of Hancock County and Hancock County HomeCare.