Mary Elinor Bates

EASTPORT – Mary Hilyard Bates, 95, passed away at her home on the evening of Sunday, July 17, 2011 with her family at her side. Born on August 29, 1915 in Eastport, the daughter of Annie M. (Collins) Hilyard and George T. Hilyard. Educated in Eastport Schools, Mary graduated from both Shead Memorial High School and Chelsea Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Chelsea, Mass. A Massachusetts and Maine registered nurse since 1937 she served during WWII in the surgical unit of the Army Air Force and later at Veterans Hospital in Togus. Mrs. Bates was a past member of Eastport Literary Round Table, American Legion, Eastport Memorial Auxiliary and later of Eastport Memorial Nursing Home Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Central Congregational Church. Survivors are four daughters, Mary M. Gilman, Julia A. Brilliott, both of Eastport, Rebecca L. Thibeault and Gerald Laffey, of Garland, Susan H. Burby and her husband Brian of Glenburn; one brother, Thomas W. Hilyard of Pembroke; six grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, Jeffrey, Ben, Laura and Lucas; six great-grandchildren, Johnny, Keanu, Cory, Noah, Kaia and Hayden; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Dr. James Bates; her mother and father; sisters Lucille, Dora, Frances, Margaret, Fredda and Sylvina and two brothers, George and Bill. A Graveside memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on July 23rd at Brewer Cemetery, Number 3 Road, Robbinston. No flowers please.