1969 – 2016

OAKLAND — Mary H. Setchell-Pardue, 46, died peacefully Friday, May 6, at her home, surrounded by family.

She was born in Glendale, Calif., on June 4, 1969, the daughter of Frank and Diane (Bangert) Setchell. Mary graduated from Boothbay Regional High School, Class of 1987. She went on to earn her bachelor’s in education from Keene State College in Keene, N.H., and her Master of Education in Conflict Resolution and Peaceable Schools from Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass. She was a member of the Kappa Gamma chapter of Kappa Delta Phi NAS.

Mary began her teaching career in 1991 as a long-term substitute at the Morse Street School and Mast Landing School in Freeport. She taught at M.T. Morse Elementary School in Lisbon Falls (1994-99), Phillip W. Sugg Middle School in Lisbon Falls (1999-2001), Auburn Middle School (2001-06), Waterville Jr. High School (2006-09) and Kennebec Montessori School in Fairfield (2009-14), retiring in 2014 to focus on her health and family.

Mary loved to share her passion for education and children with anyone she met. She truly loved her work and was especially excited to be able to have both of her boys in her classroom. Her gentle nature and caring soul afforded her the ability to reach children and show them that learning is enjoyable.

When she was not teaching, she loved to spend time at Popham Beach lounging in the sun and splashing in the water. She also enjoyed going camping with family and friends, spending time riding bikes, relaxing around a campfire, making s’mores, laughing and telling stories.

She is survived by her loving husband, Steven Pardue; two sons, Aidan and Noah Pardue, all of Oakland; a brother, David Setchell and wife, Marie, of Gardiner; two nieces, Ella and Nora Setchell of Gardiner; mother-in-law, Dolores Hamm of Cape Coral, Fla.

An online guest book may be signed and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.