Mary Linda Dyke
1948-2022
Lewiston-Mary Linda Dyke, passed away peacefully at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn, ME on June 13, 2022. She had been at the Hospice House for the past few days, and prior to that she was cared for at home by her husband and children, surrounded frequently with her children and family members including grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends. We celebrated her life with her participating in many celebrations throughout her final weeks. We are comforted to know that she has now joined hands with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Mary was born in Waterville, Maine, on March 14, 1948, the oldest child of Wilfred and Helen (Kenniston) Denis. She was a 1966 graduate of Waterville High School. Mary was a devoted mother to her seven children and loved her role as grandmother. Her family was her top priority. Her work outside of the home included the Jefferson Restaurant for many years, and then as an insurance claims processor following her business course studies at a local college. She was assistant director of the Golden Rule Boarding Home in Augusta and passionately cared for adults with special needs and disabilities. For several years she was an active member of the North Vassalboro Baptist Church, where her children were also involved in Sunday School and Church activities. She was very clever at arts and crafts projects and loved to create beautiful things with lots of colors to use in her home or to give as gifts. Mary devoted much time to and is a past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Winslow VFW Post. She loved holiday and other gatherings with family and friends where lots of food was always served.
She and her husband Gary Dyke were married in 1996 and enjoyed many wonderful family events together. They often took short trips to their favorite places to see the ocean or hear some music or visit with their many friends and family. Mary was the office manager and front desk person at their accounting practice when it was in Turner, Maine, where she got to know and was loved by many clients and friends of that business.
Mary is survived by her husband of Lewiston, and her seven children. Known as the 7 T's, or the Welch Kids, they live in the greater Waterville area. Tony (Donna), Tim (Andrea) Tom (Tracy), Todd (Sandra), Tiffany, Troy, and Tara. She is also survived by her stepson, Robert Dennis (Jane) of Pittsfield, and step- daughter Debra Cannistra (John) of Norridgewock, and sister-in-law Peggy Denis of Waterville. Mary was grandmother to ten and recently became a great-grandmother to three.
Mary is survived by brothers Larry, Ron, and Steve, and sisters Nancy, Debbie, and Sue.
She also was loved by her many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was pre-deceased by her beloved brother Mike and her former husband's Joseph Welch and Robert Dennis. "Sargent" Dennis loved the children dearly and worked diligently with Mary to raise them to be the capable and caring adults that they have become.
Mary's final illness was end-stage kidney failure with other complications including diabetes. She no longer suffers the pain that had been unbearable for the past few months.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on on a future date.
Those who desire to honor her memory are asked to donate to the Church of their choice or to the Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston, ME 04240. The family is grateful for the wonderful care and support they have provided through Mary's final days on earth.
Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Care,107 Main Street, Fairfield.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.lawrybrothers.com
Click this link to view additional details about Mary's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/mary-dyke
Click this link to view additional details about Mary's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/mary-dyke