The Rev. Dr. Mary Jeanette Harrington, 58, of Sheepscot, renowned Unitarian Universalist minister and co-founder of Gulf Coast Volunteers for the Long Haul, died Oct. 26 at home after a courageous struggle with ALS.
Mary was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Mich., the oldest of six children. She was very active from a young age in Grand Rapids social programs and the Fountain Street Church, which set her on a course for the development of Mary’s own ministry in Unitarian Universalism. Mary attended Middlebury College and graduated from the William James College. She received her Masters of Divinity from the Unitarian Universalist seminary in Berkeley, Cal., Starr King School for the Ministry. In 2009 Starr King awarded Mary the honorary degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology.
Rev. Harrington’s career spanned decades of work in philanthropy, social change, and community health. She directed one of the first hospice programs in the country, and then herself was a beneficiary of the wonderful program in her final months under the care of Miles St. Andrews Hospice in Damariscotta.
In her ministry, Mary served Unitarian Universalist churches in Santa Rosa and San Francisco, Cal., Houston, Tex., and Marblehead and Winchester, Mass. When Mary’s illness forced her retirement from parish ministry in 2006, she was made Minister Emerita by the Winchester Unitarian Society.
Rev. Harrington served on many ministerial committees and panels, and received numerous awards and accolades. In 2005, in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Mary co-founded and served as President of Gulf Coast Volunteers for the Long Haul, to bring volunteers, especially young people, into service for the residents of the Gulf Coast who had been stricken by the storms and floods. Following her diagnosis with ALS, Mary led 14 trips of volunteers to the Gulf region, conducting many of those missions in a wheelchair.
Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, Martin Teitel of Sheepscot; children, Julia Teitel of Malden, Mass. and Samuel Teitel of Sheepscot; stepson, Jason Teitel of Berkeley, Cal.; siblings, Terry, John, Douglas, Scott and Sarah; as well as numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Memorial service celebrating Mary’s life 11 a.m., Mon., Nov. 8 at the Winchester Unitarian Church, 478 Main St., Winchester, Mass.
Memorial contributions may be sent to The Reverend Mary J. Harrington Fund of Gulf Coast Volunteers for the Long Haul, 478 Main St., Winchester, MA 01890.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
