Mary Stites Haynes

Great Diamond Island – Mary Haynes, 90, of Great Diamond Island passed away after a short illness surrounded by her loving family on October 13, 2015. She was born in Portland, Maine on March 21, 1925, the daughter of Edith and Chester Stites. She grew up in Portland and Peaks Island.

Mary had many fond memories of growing up on Peaks Island. As a little girl, Mary and her grandfather, Willis Fagan, a lighthouse builder, would row each Sunday morning from Peaks Island to the Ram Island Lighthouse keepers to deliver the newspaper and supplies. Even as a young woman, Mary was well known for her adventurous personality. In her late teens, while riding her bike on the back shore of Peaks, Mary met her future husband Charlie Haynes who was stationed with the Battery B First Battalion 8th Coast Artillery. She loved to tell the story of riding her bike to buy an ice cream for the two to share that day. They were together from that day on.

Mary and Charlie were married in 1943 and were married 61 years. Mary and Charlie raised their six children on Great Diamond Island, Peaks Island, Gorham and Cumberland. Their most beloved home was Great Diamond Island. It was there she earned the nickname, “Endless Summer”.

Mary and Charlie began the family business, 4 Seasons Greenhouses, in 1964. Mary loved her spring duties of delivering geraniums throughout Southern Maine. Sometimes, the deliveries turned into long adventures, leaving her family to wonder where she had disappeared to and enthralled to hear the stories that ensued.

After retiring, Mary and Charlie enjoyed traveling with their beloved dog Scotia in their camper throughout Canada and the USA. Mary loved boating to the islands in Casco Bay, digging in shell middens looking for archeological treasures, searching for sea glass and sea shells, and clamming with her family and friends. She passed on her love and knowledge of nature, wild birds and painting to her children and grandchildren.

Mary was predeceased by her loving husband Charlie and her daughter Heather Haynes Cashin. She is survived by her two sons: Norman and Bruce; three daughters: Suzanne DeStafano, Nancy Bartlett and Shirley Haynes; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way.

A celebration of Mary’s life will take place next summer on Great Diamond Island. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Mary’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mary’s memory to: Center for Wildlife, PO Box 620, Cape Neddick, ME 03902.