HOLLIS- Mary Elizabeth Dexter was born on August 21, 1946, at Millinocket Hospital in Millinocket, Maine. She was the first of five children born to Gerry and Buff Russell and the only daughter. She graduated from Saint Martin’s of Tours Catholic School. She passed away on Aug. 6th, 2026.
In the late 1960s, Mary left Millinocket and moved to Portland, Maine, where she attended Auburn Maine School of Commerce and earned an Associate of Science degree in Business. She was a true believer in the women’s rights movement. Mary was a strong, independent woman who was never afraid to go out on her own and create an amazing life for herself.
She later moved to Connecticut to live with her aunt and cousin and worked at the Hartford Courant. When she returned to Portland, Maine, she worked at CM Rice Paper Co.
In the early 1970s, Mary married and began a family. She became a stay-at-home mother, dedicating herself to raising and caring for her three children: Sarah Dexter (Lewis Anderson, partner), Lindsey Soriano (the late great Junior Soriano), and Mark Dexter (Dana Dexter). Mary built her house with the help of her father, Buff, and her brothers, Bud Russell, Rick Russell, Jim Russell, and Bill Russell.
The 1980s brought hardship and big changes, but Mary was always ready to meet whatever challenges came her way, especially when it meant protecting her family. She found herself on her own again, this time with three young children to care for. She worked various jobs to provide for her family. Once all of her children were school-aged, she began working at the University of Southern Maine.
Mary persevered through difficult times and taught her daughters to stand up for themselves and to be proud, strong, and independent women.
In the 1990s, Mary watched her children graduate from high school, and she became a grandmother for the first time.
In the 2000s, Mary was able to retire and enjoy one of the things she loved most: traveling. She traveled the world, visiting places such as Portugal, Israel, and India. She spent winters in Florida, exploring, visiting cousins, and playing games and cards with her social group. She spent summers in Hollis, Maine, where she enjoyed her social and church groups.
Mary also loved going on historical journeys with her brother Jim. One of her favorite traditions was taking her six grandchildren—Danielle, Amber, Nicole, Cynthia, Abby, and Jacob—to Old Orchard Beach, where they enjoyed pier fries, the ocean, and watching the children go on the rides.
Mary always made time for family. She would return home to Millinocket to visit her sister-in-law, Maire McLaughlin, and the late Fran Russell. She also cherished attending the annual cousin Christmas party in Attleboro, Massachusetts, where she enjoyed spending time with all of her cousins, uncles, and aunts.
Mary is loved by her family, Sarah Dexter and partner Lewis Anderson, Lindsey Soriano and the late great Junior Soriano, and Mark Dexter and wife Dana Dexter. Her six grandchildren Danielle Anderson and partner Bryce, Amber Wyman and husband Donnie, Nicole Seavey and husband Dan, Cynthia Soriano, Abigail Dexter and Jacob Dexter.
Mary Elizabeth Dexter passed on August 6, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Mary lived a life defined by strength, independence, perseverance, family, and adventure. She faced life’s challenges head-on, built a life for herself and her children, and created countless memories with the people she loved. Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and all those whose lives she touched.
A church service will be held on Monday, August 17th at 11 AM at St. Matthews in Limerick, Me.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary’s name to the Foundation for Women's Health- Please visit,
https:// www.foundationwomenshealth.org/donate
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com