SACO – Mary J. Trainer, 94, of Saco, and formerly of Lehighton, Pa., passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024, with her family by her side.

Mary was born on Aug. 9, 1929, a daughter of J. Stewart and Pearl (Weber) Erdman. Mary grew up on a small farm in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, with her cherished brother Leon, among the fragrant purple lilacs, which lined her family home. She graduated from Quakertown High School and went on to study Art at Kutztown College.

She would however, leave just one year later, to help her high school sweetheart, Richard Trainer, care for his family restaurant, after the sudden death of his father. Mary and Dick would marry, and for the next 35 years, he manned the kitchen, while Mary oversaw the front of the house at Trainer‘s Inn, in Lehighton, Pa., where they raised their two daughters. An admired member of her community, Mary was a 4-H Club Leader, President of the PTA, and Worthy Matron for The Order of the Eastern Star.

Mary’s wry wit, lively spirit and classic style will be remembered by all who knew her. Her keen aesthetic sense would lead her to countless creative pursuits over the years, including reverse glass painting, hosting art classes in her home, and knitting many sweaters and scarves for her entire family. Beyond her love of painting, Mary enjoyed an active lifestyle, playing tennis and golf, hunting and fishing, dancing with her husband, and traveling the world. Some of her fondest memories were made in their many seasons spent in the Florida Keys.

When settled in at night, she loved watching sports and following her Boston Celtics. Most of all, Mary loved the time spent with her family. Her feisty spirit will be sadly missed by many.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Richard Eric Trainer, and by her brother, Leon Erdman.

She is survived by her daughter Linda Susan Trainer of Palmerton, Pa.; by her daughter Carol Trainer Rivest and husband Allen of Saco; by her four grandchildren: Heather Trainer Green of Berlin, Germany; Brandon Trainer Green and wife Taylor of Skaneateles, N.Y.; Meredith Green Minga and husband Todd of Gorham; and Sarah Rivest Gaudrault and husband Brendan of Kennebunkport; and by four great-grandchildren: Ella, Sophie, Maris, and Nora.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Mary’s life will take place later this year in her beloved Florida Keys. Until then, and afterwards too … good travels, Mary. You are loved.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the compassionate staff of The Inn at Atlantic Heights. The dedicated caregivers consistently went the extra mile with personal attention over the years. We also thank the exceptional caring staff of Compassus Hospice for their outstanding support and education during Mary’s passing.

Please consider donating to The Inn at Atlantic Heights Resident Activity Fund (atlanticheightsretirement.com) or Compassus Hospice (Compassus.com Scarborough ME location).

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