From the January 8, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle
Augusta, ME–Mary L. Niles, 99, formerly of Kennebec Plaza, died Monday, December 18, 2000 at Hanover Terrace Healthcare, Hanover, NH.
She was born in Manchester, NH on March 29, 1901, the daughter of Frank and Maude (Oakes) Goodwin.
Mary worked on the family farm in Augusta, ME for over 25 years. She also attended schools in Augusta. She married Walter L. Niles Sr. on June 30, 1920. During WWII, Mary worked at Bath Iron Works as a burner and a welder. Mary graduated from the Augusta State Hospital on July 12, 1959 then worked as a psychiatric aide for many years at the same hospital. She lived in Bath for several years and attended Woolwich-Wiscasset Baptist Church where she played the piano. Mary later worked in Boston as a seamstress at the Boston Naval Yard for 12 years. After her return to Maine, Mary was the Commissioner of the Augusta Housing Authority, from 1987 to 1991. All her life she had been connected with music; as a vocalist and violinist, playing a musical saw, piano, organ or alto horn. She played the violin with the Augusta Symphony Orchestra at the old City Hall, under the direction of Earnest R. Hill.
She was a past member of the American Legion, Post #2 Auxiliary. She was also an active member of the Kennebec Valley Assembly of God Church in Chelsea for over 10 years. Mary also did volunteer work on a monthly basis for the church as well as for Kennebec Long Term Nursing Care at Graybirch.
She was predeceased by her children, Kimber Niles, Kenneth O. Niles, Donald Niles and Walter Niles, Jr. Also a brother, Vincent A. Goodwin. She is survived by a son, Norman Niles, and his wife Marie, of Weeks Mills. Two daughters, Constance Boggs and her husband Robert, of Augusta and Eleanor Barney and her husband Reginald, of Canaan, NH
24 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Visiting was held on Thursday, December 21 from 10 to 11 am at the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, ME, where a funeral service followed at 11:00. Pastor Mikko Tervo officiated. Burial took place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Augusta, ME.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Assembly of God Church, Music Dept., Chelsea, ME 04330.