1929 – 2014

Wales — Mary A. Hilliard, 85, a longtime resident of Wales, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 21, at her home surrounded by her family.

Mary was born in West Gardiner on Feb. 6, 1929, the daughter of Charles and Mary Emery.

In November 1946, she married Leroy Hilliard, and together they raised four children. Mary was a homemaker and farm wife, working beside her husband on the family dairy, Hilliard Farm. Milking Holstein cattle, they grew the farm into a large dairy business, shipping thousands of pounds of milk daily.

In her later years, Mary enjoyed quilting, knitting and attending the Fryeburg Fair. She especially enjoyed traveling and spending time with her sister, Gloria, and sister-in-law, Beulah Hilliard.

Mary is survived by two sons, Leroy “Sonny” Hilliard and his wife, Kathy, of Livermore and Charles Hilliard and his wife, Cathy, of Wales; two daughters, Sharon Gregory and her husband, Tim, of Jay and Paula Foss of Wales; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; a sister, Gloria Labbe; and a brother, William Emery.

Mary is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Leroy Hilliard; brothers, Kenneth Emery, Leroy Emery and Keith Emery; and a sister, Betty Smith.

Special thanks and appreciation to Mary’s daughter, Paula, who was her caregiver for many years and to the staff of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.