Mary George-Sappier

Mary Grace George-Sappier, 87, passed away in the arms of her daughter on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Eastport Memorial Nursing Home.  Mary was born in Woodstock, NB, on December 27, 1935, daughter of Peter and Stella (Tomah) Sappier.

As a child, Mary was taken away from her family and placed into foster care before the Indian Child Welfare Act was enacted.  She grew up in Maine and became a Licensed Practical Nurse after attending nursing school in Pennsylvania.  Mary worked at Lancaster Community Hospital from 1955 – 1977.  Mary also became an EMT and Paramedic.  She then returned to her roots at Sipayik.  In 1980, Mary founded Sipayik Emergency Medical Services.  She was a CPR Instructor and taught basic first aid throughout Washington County.  Mary was devoted to the care of others throughout her life and was always taking courses or reading any material to keep up on her medical skills and knowledge.  Although Mary retired from Sipayik EMS in 2016, she always kept her Pennsylvania and Maine licenses up to date.  Mary was proud of her Passamaquoddy and Maliseet heritage.  She served on the Pleasant Point Tribal Council and was a member of the board of trustees at Calais Regional Hospital.  Mary was awarded a certificate of lifetime achievement from Maine Health Care Association in recognition of her lifetime personal and professional accomplishments at a ceremony in Augusta in May, 2023. 

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her husband William George; and siblings Georgina Sappier-Richardson, and Peter, Ronald, and Hartley Sappier.  Surviving are her daughter Treena Brunelle of Eastport; three grandchildren, Christopher Graham and companion Oceanna Perry of Eastport, Deroy Scott Elder and wife Daniela of Manassas, VA, and Giovanni Brunelle of Melbourne, FL; five great-grandchildren, Malachi, Dakota, Jacob, Roco, and Livia; her sister Martha Sappier; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Cressey Brazier, the staff at Eastport Memorial Nursing Home, and the numerous others who provided excellent care to Mary, especially in her final hours.