SURRY
Mary Ellen Gilley, 96, died July 2, 2018, at her home in Surry. She was born June 1, 1922, in Clarksburg, W.Va., the daughter of Russell M. and Mabel (Wolfe) Hertzog.
Mary Ellen attended the University of West Virginia and graduated from the University of Maryland as a registered nurse, where she met her husband, Dr. Frank P. Gilley, and together they settled in Bangor then Holden where they raised five girls. Mary Ellen worked with her husband in his dental office as well as in later years for other doctors and at several local hospitals. She was an accomplished bridge player and an excellent quilter and she would say “it may not be pretty, but it will keep someone warm.” She was a member of the Ellsworth Falls Union Congregational Church and past member of Surry Congregational Church.
Mary Ellen and Frank shared 59 years of married life. They were fortunate to travel far and wide, hunting and fishing through the years. They owned and operated a tree farm and in 1992 were recognized as The National Tree Farmers of the Year.
Mary Ellen is survived by five daughters: Mary Ellen Dorr and husband, David, of Holden, Susan Dorr of Machias, Judy Raymond and husband, Paul, of Dover-Foxcroft, Jane “Frannie” Stackpole and husband, Lester, of Orland and Cynthia Wixon and husband, John, of Surry; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; her lifelong friends Ruth Foster and Ray J. Lane. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank, grandson, Jeffrey Parola, brother Jack Hertzog and her dear friend Ellen Young.
A celebration of life will be held 10 a.m., July 13, 2018, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth, where a reception will follow. Interment will be held at Mt. Height Cemetery, Southwest Harbor at a later date.
Those who desire may make contributions in Mary Ellen’s name to the Ellsworth Falls Congregational Church, P.O. Box 635, Ellsworth, ME 04605 or to Project Linus c/o Judy Raymond, 816 Bangor Rd., Dover Foxcroft, ME 04426.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.