Mary Henderson Major

Mary Henderson Major August 25, 1927 April 22, 2012 Mary (Henderson) Major 84, died at home, April 22, 2012 of complications following a stroke. She was born August 25, 1927 at the family home in Brooks, Georgia to Hugh Henderson and Lillian Jewel (Tarpley) Henderson. She graduated from Fayetteville High School after three years, serving as the class Salutatorian. She then went on to graduate in the first co-ed class from North Georgia College, and received a Masters Degree in Zoology from the University of Tennessee. Mary was then employed at Oak Ridge National Lab in the Genetics Group, where she did genetic analysis of mice exposed to the Bikini Atomic Tests. She also served as Assistant to L. B. Russell in studies of Radiation Sensitive Periods in Pregnancy and Methods of Screening for Mutagens. She was later employed at the University of Maine directing the Freshman Zoology Laboratories, retiring in 1992 after 25 years. While at graduate school she met Charles W. Major, a fellow graduate student, and were married in 1951 when he was recalled to the Navy for the Korean War. They lived in Orono until retirement, when they moved to Lamoine. In 2010 they moved to North Yarmouth to be closer to their family. She will be missed for her quick wit, relentless courtesy, and ever-present eye for the absurd, all of which helped make life enjoyable for her family and friends. She was a keen observer of backyard and seaside wildlife, and greatly enjoyed watching them throughout the four seasons. Mary is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles W. Major, their three children: Nancy Marie (Major) French of North Yarmouth, Elizabeth Anne (Major) Rolfe and spouse Brian Rolfe of Phippsburg, and Charles David Major and spouse Susan (Hillman) Major of Orono; her sister, Anne (Henderson) Cowart of Atlanta, GA., her brother, Hugh T. Henderson of Tulsa, OK, and many nieces and nephews. Grandchildren: John Edward French of North Yarmouth. June (French) Geoffroy and spouse Marc, with great-grandson Colby Geoffroy of Minot. Anne Marie French and companion William Adams, with great-granddaughters Alyssa Marie French and Ava Elizabeth Adams of Poland. Michael Rolfe of Portland, Stephen Rolfe and spouse Amy, and great-grandson Patrick Rolfe of Portland. Charles (Tony) Major of Orono, Andrew Major and companion Kira Herrklotsch of Berlin, Germany. The family will host an Open House to share memories of Mary at her home in North Yarmouth (10 Acorn Lane) on May 5 from 12-4. Inquiries to: nancymariefrench@yahoo.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be sent to the Lamoine Elementary School Library at 53 Lamoine Beach Road, Lamoine, Me 04605. Arrangements are by A.T. Hutchins Funeral and Cremation Services, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland. To offer condolences and to share memories with the family, please go to the obituary page at www.athutchins.com

Mary Henderson Major

August 25, 1927 - April 22, 2012

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