SOUTH PORTLAND – Mary Elizabeth Darling passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023 after a long sickness and battle with cancer.

She was one of 10 children, born in Portland to Margaret and Walter Chadbourne on Nov. 30, 1941, and attended Portland schools. She was 81 years old.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, William Sr. “Bill”. Mary and Bill fell in love when she was just 15 years old. Because Bill was a few years older, Mary lied about her age so he would go out with her. They fell madly in love. In 1974, Mary worked with Bill and his brother, John, to start and build the family business, Maine Roofing Inc. with just $1000. and a pick-up truck. Almost 50 years later, the family business has grown and continues under the ownership of their son and grandson. Mary and Bill were married for 42 years until he passed away in 2002 from cancer. Mary never recovered fully after her husband’s death.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and dedicated her life to raising her children and taking care of her grandchildren. She had a love for playing Bingo and her daily numbers. She was Irish and her strong will and independence will forever be remembered by all those who loved her.

Mary leaves behind her children Diana Darling, Cheryl Bracket and her husband Bruce, William Darling Jr. and his wife Elizabeth; grandchildren William Darling III; Samantha Landroche, her husband Ted and daughter Lainey Elizabeth- Mary’s great-granddaughter, all of South Portland. She also leaves behind her brother, Ronald Chadbourne of Scarborough; many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews.

There will be a private family graveside service. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m., North 43 Bistro, 1 Spring Point Dr., South Portland.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s memory to:

The South Portland Boys & Girls Club

169 Broadway

South Portland, ME 04106

Or

Gosnell Memorial Hospice

11 Hunnewell Rd.

Scarborough, ME 04074

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