Mary Elizabeth Derby, 81, passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Evergreen Manor in Saco. She was the daughter of the late George and Eva (Weymouth) Derby, and was born in Augusta on October 29, 1929. Mary graduated from Cony High School in 1947 and from Farmington State Teachers College (now the University of Maine at Farmington) in 1951.She remained active in alumni activities at the university helping to organize various reunions, notably her 50th in 2011. She was a primary grade teacher in Madison, ME. and in Beverly and Danvers, MA. for a total of 39 years, retiring in 1990. Following her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially her mother with whom she enjoyed traveling. She volunteered at the Cashman School in Amesbury, MA. and the Amesbury Public Library. She was a published writer of short stories for children. Besides her writing, she enjoyed reading, music, cooking and gardening. After a five year wait, she was able to reside at The Pines, a retirement community in Ocean Park. She was predeceased by her loving companion Alfred Laudani of Lawrence, MA. She was a member of the Penney Memorial United Baptist Church in Augusta, the Danvers Teachers Association, the National Teachers Association, and the Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts. She is survived by her cousins Marjorie McLaughlin of Machias; Lester Young Jr. of Higganum, CT. and Douglas Weymouth of Weston MA.; life-long friends E. Laddie E. Patterson of Ocean Park and Eleanor O’Donnell of Nobleboro, along with many other friends with whom she kept in contact with throughout the New England area. A graveside committal service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, October 7, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Winthrop St., Augusta. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm, Sunday October, 30, in the Pines Community Building, 10 Manor St. Ocean Park, ME. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Pines, P.O. Box 7354., Ocean Park, ME. 04063.