AUBURN — Mary M. Roy, 86, of 29 Delcliffe Lane, Lewiston, died Saturday morning, Oct. 7, at the Hospice House in Auburn. She was suffering from stroke complications incurred on Sept. 1, 2016. Mary was a first-generation American, born in New York City to immigrant parents of Irish-Catholic descent. Like many others of that time, her welcoming family home acted as a Grand Central Station to relatives from the old country, arriving in the land of opportunity. The only girl of four children, Mary had a self-described “wonderful childhood” as she also enjoyed the close proximity of a large, fun-loving, extended family, along with the many experiences New York City offered during that nostalgic period.

At age 16, Mary lost her father, who also died of stroke complications at age 52. She was educated in Catholic schools and graduated from Saint Vincent Ferrer High School in New York City. With classic Irish lass features, her stunning red hair and a 5′ 10″ slender frame, always got her noticed, but at age 23, she entered the convent to become a cloistered nun, with the Carmelite Order, Saranac Lake, N.Y. Sadly, due to health concerns, she left the order after a year-and-a-half. She later joined the Lay Dominicans, NYC. During the 12 years following, she worked for the offices of General Motors Overseas Operations in New York City. In 1965, she married Louis Roy of Brunswick, and they had three children. They lived in Brunswick for 11 years, then moved to Lewiston in 1976, where they remained.

Mary would give credit to her faith for her remarkable ability to deal with setbacks and heartbreak. She dealt with her own paralyzing stroke and the chronic illnesses and deaths of her two sons (who died of cystic fibrosis) with remarkable grace and fortitude. Her first born, Daniel, died at two months of age, and her son Matthew died at age 27. As her children grew older, she worked for several years as office manager of the USDA Soil & Water Conservation District of Lewiston, from which she retired in 1995. Mary was a member of the former St. Joseph’s Church, now Prince of Peace Parish, where she was honored for her involvement in countless religious projects and activities, especially the protection of the preborn. In retirement, Mary pursued her burning desire to seek the Lord by joining the Lay Carmelites, attending daily mass and supporting the EWTN Catholic TV channel. In the last year of her life, she lived with her daughter, Jane; and son-in-law, Gary.

She is predeceased by her parents; Matthew and Rita McGloine; her husband, Louis; her sons, Daniel and Matthew; and brothers, Edward and John McGloine. She is survived by her daughter, Jane; son-in-law, Gary, of Lewiston; her brother, Matthew McGloine of New York; and several beloved nieces and nephews. Donations, condolences and a video tribute may be found online at www.albert-burpee.com.

Mary M. Roy