AUBURN — Mary Carolyn Schoppe Buker peacefully passed away Sunday, July 16, at the Auburn Hospice House, surrounded by the family she loved and cared for all her life. She was 72.

Mary was born on November 17, 1944, at Lewiston’s Central Maine General Hospital as the sixth child of William and Phyllis Schoppe of Auburn. A 1963 ELHS graduate, Mary finished school at Auburn’s Maine School of Commerce. She and George H. Buker Jr., of Minot, were married on July 3, 1965, at the West Auburn Congregational Church. Dedicated to home, farm, and family, Mary was also a “second mom” to many children — the Bukers’ farmhouse was always open and visitors needed never knock; everyone was made to feel welcome. Always the first to offer help and the last to ask for any assistance, she will be remembered for her tender heart, endless kindness and a warm and giving nature.

That giving sprit seemed never-ending and her life off the farm was filled with many meaningful activities; from leading a Brownie troop or participating in the Minot Historical Society, to working at Schooner Estates or volunteering at the High Street Food Pantry.

For those who knew her best, Mary will be recalled as a hard worker putting up hay or tending to the animals; as a tender and loving mother, putting the needs of her loved ones before her own; as an easygoing friend who could both give and take a joke; and as someone who could easily perform the simple and beautifully humane act of being there for you when you needed a hand to hold, a kiss on the forehead, or someone to cry with.

Mary Buker was well-loved and will be dearly missed. In addition to George H. Buker, Jr., her husband of 52 years, she leaves a large, loving family, including daughters, Wendy L. Gilpatric and husband, Douglas, and Jennifer L. Sawyer and husband, Willard, son, Charles (Chuck) L. Buker and wife, Whitney King-Buker, all of Minot; her four cherished grandchildren, Sydney, Zachariah, Calvin, and Ford; and a family filled with many siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

She is predeceased by daughter, Heidi L. Stimson; her unborn child; and brother, William F. Schoppe III.

We invite everyone to read more and to share memories and condolences at thefortingrouplewiston.com.

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