Obituary of Mary Ellen McTigue

HOLDEN - Mary Ellen (Ford) McTigue, 77, died unexpectedly and peacefully surrounded by her family on December 27, 2022.

Mary Ellen was born on June 27, 1945, in Bangor, ME, the daughter of the late David L. and Arline F. (Gallagher) Ford.

Mary Ellen is survived by her beloved husband Philip H. McTigue, their two daughters Eileen M. Williams, her husband John of Clifton and Deirdre M. Burns, and her husband Arlen of Corinth. Mary Ellen had five wonderful grandchildren. Eileen’s children are John Williams II and his wife Sara of Clifton, Brent Williams and his wife Carmen of Clifton and Josh Williams and his wife Megan of Walnut Creek, California. Deirdre’s children are Cassidy and Bryce Burns of Corinth. In addition to the five grandchildren, Mary Ellen was blessed to become a great grandmother to Hadley, Courtney and Fletcher Williams, the children of Brent & Carmen Williams.

She is survived by two sisters and one brother. Joan Ford McKenna of North Stonington, CT, Jean Ford of Mashpee, MA and Michael G. Ford of West Chester, PA. She also leaves several nephews and nieces.

Mary Ellen was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Bangor. She was an active member of the Current Events Club at St. John’s Church. She was also a Verizon Pioneer Life Member.

She graduated from John Bapst High School in 1963. Mary Ellen was employed by Verizon Telephone Company and retired with 32 years of service. She was also secretary in the 80’s for the Jasper N. Keller Telephone Pioneers organization. She started her career in August 1963 and worked as an operator for five years. The next twenty-seven years, she worked in the Supporting Services Dept, Engineering Dept and the Construction Dept.

Mary Ellen enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved being a mother and was so proud of her two girls. Mary Ellen was very excited when she became a grandmother. She and her husband Phil were very close to their grandchildren. She considered herself fortunate to have her children live close by and never missed an opportunity to see her grandchildren when they were young in school plays, basketball, baseball, soccer, karate and watch them at swim meets.

Mary Ellen loved cooking, shopping, movies and going out to eat. Her high school friends meant a great deal to her and she looked forward to seeing this special group going to lunch during the year and having a get together at Christmas time. She also spent many hours on the computer exchanging emails with her siblings and friends. She loved her brother and sisters and remained very close to them throughout the years.

She and her husband Phil spent summers at their cottage on Beech Hill Pond. Mary Ellen appreciated being able to retire early and spend quality time with her husband, children and grandchildren. Weekends were special as she looked forward to having her family all together. The girls with their husbands and children came down most weekends.

Mary Ellen enjoyed traveling a great deal. She traveled to a number of countries in Europe and also enjoyed vacationing in the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada plus vacationing in our own country. She will be surely missed by all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends may visit 4 – 6 PM Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State Street, Brewer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 PM Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John’s Catholic Church, 217 York Street, Bangor. Burial with final commendation and committal will held 1 PM Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 at Mt. Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Bangor. A time of fellowship with family and friends will be held at the church immediately following the Mass and those who wish may share messages and memories of Mary Ellen on the tribute wall of kileyandfoley.com.