BREWER – Mary Yoder, 75, passed away on the evening of July 6, 2018 at Woodlands Senior Living from complications of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Mary was born June 21, 1943 in Waltham, Massachusetts and attended Stoughton High School in Stoughton, Massachusetts. She raised five children and then moved to Maine in 1985 to raise her sixth child (surprise!). Mary had various occupations throughout her life but taking care of children was what she loved most. "Her fondest memories were of running "Kids' Korner," a home day care in Brewer, Maine. She cared deeply for both the children in her charge and their parents. Mary’s home was warm and welcoming to all; she was known to “adopt” her children’s friends, caring for them as if they were her own. Mary loved to read, to walk and enjoy the outdoors, and she never shied away from a debate. She encouraged her children to be independent, ask questions, and discuss issues with the same fervor she possessed herself.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, John and Dorothy Witham, and her sisters Joan Spence and Elizabeth Shaw. She will be greatly missed by her brother, Stephen (and Karen) Witham of Sabattus; her children Faith Yoder of Florida, John Yoder of Maine, Thomas Yoder of Massachusetts, Eric (and Mary) Yoder of Auburn, Aaron Yoder of Hermon, and Katherine (and Ellen) Cummings-Newell of Pennsylvania; “adopted” daughter, Cristina Chaplin of Augusta; grandchildren Brandon, Sarah, Joshua, and Damian; great-grandson Anderson, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends of the family.

Family and friends will be gathering at the Brewer Riverwalk on Saturday, July 14th at 11:00 AM for a picnic by the water that Mary would have enjoyed. Anyone who would like to come along, say goodbye, and share a memory or two about Mary is more than welcome. Please contact Katherine with any questions or for more information. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com