FALMOUTH — A Mass of Christian Burial honoring the life of Mary I. Emerson was celebrated by the Reverend Daniel Greenleaf on Tuesday, March 4, at Holy Martyrs Church of the Parish of the Holy Eucharist.

At the beginning of Mass, Mary’s two daughters, Elizabeth Bradley and Margaret Foorman, as well as Mary’s daughter-in-law, Beth Emerson, draped a white burial pall over Mary’s casket signifying Mary’s baptism into a new spiritual life with God. Mary’s granddaughter, Charlotte Emerson, then placed her grandmother’s Catholic Missalette on the pall. During Mass the Old Testament was proclaimed by Mary’s granddaughter, Jennifer Peterson. The New Testament was proclaimed by Mary’s niece, Virginia Irwin. The Prayer of the Faithful was recited by Mary’s niece, June Gregoire. The Offertory Gifts were brought to the Altar by Mary’s two daughter-in-laws, Beth and Carol Emerson, and Mary’s granddaughter, Mary Emerson. The Offertory song, “Ava Maria,” was sung by Mary’s niece Judith Ringer. Altar servers were Mary’s grandsons, John Emerson Jr. and Charles Emerson. Before the conclusion of Mass words of remembrance were shared by Mary’s daughter, Margaret Emerson Foorman.

Representatives from both Emerson family auto dealerships of Auburn as well as from the Sun Journal and the Wayfinder Schools of New Gloucester were also in attendance.

At the conclusion of Mass all were invited to a reception of fellowship at the Cumberland Club in Portland.

The pallbearers were Leslie Jr., John, James, Joseph, and Charles Emerson as well as David Bradley. Graveside committal prayers will be held later in the Spring at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Arrangements by Pinette & Lynch Funeral Home, Lewiston.