Mary L. Staab, 85, of Jefferson, passed away May 22 at the VA Togus Hospice. She was born in Jefferson on Sept. 7, 1931, the daughter of Bryan M. and Eleanor Kate Dufresne Hodgkins.
She graduated from Waldoboro High School as Valedictorian, and from Gates Business College in Augusta. She was a U.S. Air Force veteran, her basic training was in New York and the final stop of her duty was in Hawaii; she was the first female radio operator in the Pacific Theatre. She met and married her husband George A. Staab in 1953 shortly after they met. After her honorable discharge from the service, they first moved to Maryland, and then lived in New Jersey for four years. In 1962, they moved back to Jefferson where they lived together for many years until his death in 1985. They owned and operated many successful businesses together.
Mary was very active in her community. She started the Jefferson Village School Library, was a Cub Scout Leader, and a member and treasurer of the First Baptist Church. She also knit baby afghans for every one of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her parents; brothers, Weston and Lloyd Hodgkins; husband, George; and daughter, Deborah Anne Staab.
She is survived by her partner of 30 years, Michael McCormick; son, Robert Staab and wife Peggy Staab of Gorham; daughters, Valerie Chipman and husband Jeff Chipman of Lisbon, and Kathleen Staab of Jefferson; grandchildren, Larissa Smith and husband Chuck Smith, Colin Staab and girlfriend Casey Loftis, Marielle Chipman and boyfriend Will Jacobs, and Erica Staab; and great-grandchildren, Cohen and Gabrielle and Jordan.
She leaves behind her siblings Gertrude Hodgkins, Adele Suga, and Bryan T. Hodgkins, and her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.
She took great joy in participating in the lives of Mike’s seven children, 14 grandchildren and his brand new great-granddaughter. Mary and Mike traveled extensively together and she was able to go on her dream vacation to the Mississippi River.
Visiting hours will be from 6-8 p.m., Wed., May 24 at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Thurs., May 25 at The First Baptist Church in Jefferson. Burial with military honors will follow in the Hodgkin’s Family Cemetery, Jefferson.