Mary Sullivan, 1932–2026, former mayor of Bangor, ME

Mary E. (Roche) Sullivan, of Waltham, passed peacefully in her home on March 8, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 93.

Mary was born on June 29, 1932, in Allston to Leo F. Roche Sr. and Ethel Toomey Roche.

She married her lifelong love, Charles Morgan Sullivan, Sr. on Sept. 8, 1956, and they remained devoted to each other until his death in 1997.

Mary devoted her life to family, education and civic service. After graduating from Regis College, she pursued her master’s degree in economics at Boston College, where she met her beloved Charlie. She worked as registrar at Husson College in Bangor and was a revered math teacher at John Bapst Memorial High School. Her public service included serving on the Bangor City Council and as District 110 Representative in the Maine State legislature.

A true trailblazer, Mary became the first woman to serve as mayor of Bangor, the third largest city in Maine. While there, she was a fierce advocate for all of her constituents and an inspiration to all with her strength, wisdom, wit, compassion and bipartisanship. Mary was devoted to her faith and dedicated herself to Sacred Heart Church in Waltham, particularly through her commitment to eucharistic ministry.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Charles M. Sullivan, Sr.; her son, Mark C. Sullivan; her granddaughter Madonna Pearl Mullen; and her brothers Paul D. Roche and Leo F. Roche Jr.

She is survived by her children, Charles Morgan Sullivan Jr. (Cherie), Ethel Sullivan Williams (Dexter), Mari Sullivan Mullen (Jim), Kathleen Sullivan and Ursula DellaPorta (Brian); her grandchildren, Emily Williams Zango (Sarah), Franki Mullen, James Mullen, Derek Williams and Olivia DellaPorta; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Mary’s life by gathering for an evening wake at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, March 16, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and again on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. before leaving in procession to Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham where her funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m.. Burial will follow in Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, West Roxbury.