Houlton, Maine - Mary Velma Cowperthwaite joined her parents, Albro Sr. and Marion; and brother, Neil, in heaven on January 9, 2026, after a brief illness. She was 77 years old, born in Auburn, Maine, on October 1, 1948.

In her youth, Mary attended Houlton Schools, and at a young age she worked in the family food service business. During her teenage years, her parents assigned her as the manager of Cresent Park located on Nickerson Lake near Houlton. She ran the snack bar, cooked behind the grill, managed camping reservations, and maintained the motel units.

Mary always held great faith in her life and was a lifelong member of the Houlton Methodist Church. She taught Sunday school for many years and developed strong personal relationships with other parishioners. Following her faith, Mary attended Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, where she obtained a degree in elementary education. While there, Mary used her culinary talents to manage the snack bar in the college commons. Some of her most memorable years were spent at Gordon where she was later honored more than once with "Alumni of the Year" recognition.

After graduation in 1970, Mary moved to New Mexico, where she was employed as a teacher on a Navajo reservation. She savored her years living within the Navajo community, learning their traditions and helping them not only with education but also improved health and other modern life methods. After 20 years there, she then returned to Houlton to teach elementary education until her retirement.

Mary enjoyed touring the country with her mother, traveling across the country in her VW bug. She liked to knit, read, do puzzles and care for her cats. She was a master of Canasta, teaching many others how to play the game. She was devoted to taking care of her parents in their later years.

Mary is survived by two brothers, Kevin and Albro Jr.; as well as three sisters-in-law, Janet, Pam and Linda. She has eight nieces and nephews she was very fond of, Ellen, Martha, Kim, Anne, John, Catherine, Jennie and Jacob; and also many great-nieces and great-nephews, Sylvia, Jack, Max, Nora, Sam, Quinn, Brody, Brennen, Courtney, Lauren, Laney and Kate. She had countless special friends. In addition to her church family, she made many during morning coffee sessions at McDonald's and Tim Hortons.

A celebration of Mary's life is planned for 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at the American Legion Hall in Houlton. She will be interred beside her parents at Foster Cemetery in Monticello in the spring. Mary loved cats so donations in her memory may be made to the Houlton Humane Society or the local Salvation Army, where she enjoyed supporting their work within the community. To share memories and condolences online, visit bowersfuneral.com.