Obituary of Mary Shainin Lightbody

Guilford - Mary Shainin Lightbody passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, in the early morning hours of June 4th, 2017.  Mary will be long remembered for her beautiful hand-made pottery, healthy active lifestyle, and passion for the arts.

In her younger years Mary enjoyed swimming, riding her bike, making her own clothes, and cooking. She developed a serious interest in art and in 1979 graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Design. Drawn to the rural life, she then moved to Parkman, Maine after accepting a position as a textile designer at Guilford Industries.

One cold winter night, after struggling to get her woodstove lit, Mary went to the Red Maple to vent her frustration to the bartender. He in turn asked the patrons at the bar, “Can anyone light this woman's fire?" and Jim Lightbody quickly volunteered his services. What followed was a marriage of 34 years, three beautiful children, nightly homemade family meals, and summers spent at Whetstone Pond.

After the birth of her children Mary began teaching and promoting art in the community, enriching the lives of her many students. She later went on to obtain her Masters from Hood College in 2007 and became engrossed in the world of ceramics. Mary spent many long hours in her private studio, Waters Edge Pottery, creating pieces with custom homemade glazes intended for everyday use. Her legacy and soul will forever be felt through her essential handmade pottery.

Exercise became a wonderful outlet for Mary and she met many dear friends through her love of the gym and the outdoors. Often found gardening, skiing, running 5Ks, or teaching spinning classes, she always maintained an active lifestyle.

Mary is survived by her husband, James Lightbody; children, Kaitlyn, Erik and Hannah; grandchildren, Torin and Aria; mother-in-law, Margaret Lightbody; and sister-in-law, Laurie Crane. We take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved sister, Barbara Kate, who tragically left her side over forty years ago.

Mary would like us all to remember to eat clean, read labels, check expiration dates, stretch, and exercise every day. She will be fondly remembered every time we sew on a button, enjoy her pottery, venture into nature, and paint with our children.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Squaw Mountain (www.skibigsquaw.com) as it was a place close to Mary’s heart – the site of her wedding reception, and a source of continuous enjoyment. Funds raised will go toward dedicating a favorite trail in her name and maintaining the treasured mountain.