NORWAY — Mary (Vanvaerenewyck) Tolman, 86, of Norway passed away on Thursday, Nov. 18, at her home.

Mary was born in Boston, Mass., on Jan. 11, 1924, daughter of John and Maud (Foley) Vanvaerenewyck. She spent her early years in the Sharon and Foxboro, Mass., areas.

In 1941, she married Marthon G. Tolman of Portland. By 1950, they were well settled in Norway with their four children and Mr. Tolman was employed as production supervisor at C.B. Cummings Dowel Mill. Except for a brief time, she remained in Norway for the remainder of her life.

In addition to a career in radio production at Norway and Portland stations, Mary devoted her life to service in the community and most importantly to her family and friends.

The early Girl Scout movement benefited immensely from her leadership.

In 1965, she returned to school and received her high school diploma with honors.

She was a charter member of the Stephens Memorial Hospital Formation Committee, and after accomplishing that goal spent many years volunteering in the Hospital Auxiliary in both the thrift shop and coffee shop. Eventually, when semi-retired, she worked part-time in the admissions deptartment. Her ability and willingness to face and overcome any challenge was a great example to all.

She spent many years as a volunteer at community lunch as the GURU of salad making, then spent the rest of the morning helping the others in the crew to complete their duties and clean up. She also was very active in the American Legion Auxiliary and the Heywood Club.

Her greatest love and most appreciated service was to her family: daughters and sons-in-law, Marion and Bunky Hall, Margie and Bob Ripley, and Marcia and Dave Chute; son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Donna Libby Tolman; grandchildren, Chuck and Celine Bouchard Hall, Jim and Cathy Hall Farrara, Robert and Charleen Knight Ripley, Troy and Jeri Brown Ripley, Michael Ripley, Michael and Laura Galvus Tolman, Jean-Ann Tolman Lockhart, Matt and Peggy Chute Chausse and Janet Chute; great-grandchildren, Danny Hall, Sammy, Benny and Abby Ferrara; great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Aimee Arsenault Ripley, Megan and Andy Ripley; great-grandchildren, Robbie and Jesse Ripley; great-grandchildren, Malaki, Talia and Christian Tolman; great-grandchildren,  Diamond and Kristen Lockhart; great-granddaughter, Caroline Chausse; great-great-grandson, Jarrett Branson Ripley; sister, Pat Flanagan; brothers-in-law, Alan, and Ted and Diana Tolman; and all her nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by Megan, Michael and Bob Ripley.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com