Mary was born of Dr. Francis J. Curran Jr. and Mary Catherine Welch in Washington D.C. on December 5, 1954. They moved home to Portland, Maine when Mary was a child. She attended Lyseth Elementary School, Lyman Moore Jr. High, and Deering High School where she graduated in 1972. She then began a career in cosmetology which she enjoyed for 50 years, actively working until a few months before her passing. Mary built relationships with clients, many of whom became friends, as she worked at Ronald’s, Design, and The Chopping Block where she met and married Roland Champagne in January, 1978. They welcomed a son, Ryan Joseph Champagne, on May 3, 1982. Ryan was the greatest joy of Mary’s life. Together they opened The Hair Exchange and grew both businesses for years. She continued to work locally until March 2024. Mary loved what she did and the friendships she made along the way are a testament to the individual attention and care she gave each client.
In her youth, Mary enjoyed skiing at Pleasant Mountain, family fun on Kezar Lake in Lovell and Highland Lake in Bridgton with her cousin and best friend Ann Marie Skillin Boxer. She always loved the ocean and meeting the gang on Mondays at the beach, kids and coolers in tote. The “hostess of the mostess “she was; there were many vivacious parties at Mary’s house where her distinctive laughter rose above the crowd. Her nickname was “Mary Kakacleen”.
In 1997 Mary met Robert Huntley at a party on July 3rd. They married on July 3, 2005, eight years later and enjoyed life together until Bob predeceased her on June 9, 2024, just three weeks before Mary left us. They are celebrating their 19th anniversary in heaven. Mary and Bob loved trips to Rangeley and hanging out on their porch. Their blended family brought them joy with trips to California to visit Mary’s granddaughters Sloane and Stevie, watching Bob’s grandchildren play sports, and gathering as a family when life allowed. “Meeps” will be sorely missed by the kids who loved her dearly. Mary delighted in joining friends and family for lunch or brunch; breaking bread with loved ones sustained her. She was loved by everyone!
Mary was survived by her son, Ryan Champagne and his wife Adrianna, her grandchildren Sloane and Stevie. Step children Craig Huntley, Christopher Huntley and Stacey Huntley and their children. Sister Patricia Raitto and her husband Michael, brothers Shaun Curran and his wife Linda, and Joseph Curran. She is also survived by a special tribe of nieces and nephews with whom she was very close and gathered with often. She was predeceased by her husband Robert Huntley, brother Timothy Curran, and her parents.
Friends and relatives are invited to visiting hours at Jones, Rich & Barnes, 199 Woodford St, Portland, Maine on Sunday, July 7th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, followed by a short tribute to Mary. A gathering of friends and family will follow to celebrate the lives of Mary and Bob at Bruno’s Restaurant, 33 Allen Ave., Portland at 3:30 PM.
Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to leave condolences for the Huntley family and sign Mary's online guest book.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.2