Eliot- Mary Anna Shapleigh, 78 of Main Street in Eliot died at her home, during a beautiful song, "Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus" sung (likely out of tune) by her children, on May 20, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a fighter who added a happy 6 years to her life by her valiant fight and positive attitude. This fight was guided by her dedicated oncologist who helped fight this battle, Christine Wasilewski, M.D. Christine has a loving compassion for which we are forever grateful. Mary loved God, life and her family. In this end, she found it most difficult to leave her cherished husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Several days before her death, we all were summoned to her house as she felt the time was near. She lovingly, entertained us all with jokes and laughter, a memory we will forever treasure. Who knew she had such a sense of humor! Mary was born on September 22, 1936 in Websterville, VT a daughter of the late Daniel Edward and Nida (Rueda ) Gould. She made her home throughout New England as a young girl, eventually settling in Eliot during her high school years. She graduated from Eliot High School with the class of 1954 where she enjoyed singing in the chorus and cheerleading. In 1955, she married her loving husband & high school sweetheart of nearly sixty years, Richard Shapleigh, Sr. While she was sick, she looked forward to Richard's goodnight kiss each evening at 8 pm sharp. Their love was a love of strength and endurance. Mary and Richard made their home for over thirty years in Portsmouth where they would lovingly raise their 4 children before returning to the Shapleigh family home in Eliot, where they have lived for nearly twenty years. After raising her children, Mary worked in several positions. She worked in her church office, for a physician for many years, Dr. Carolyn Dixon, and also at New Generation, a shelter for expectant women, where she made many special friends. Mary will be remembered as a gentle, caring, loyal woman who cared unconditionally, gave without question, and held honesty and her faith in high regard. She also liked to collect things and if you were ever in need of sayanything, check with Mary as she may have a spare somewhere in her basement. This was done out of love and wanting to provide for others in need. Mary was an active member of Connect Community Church in Portsmouth where she enjoyed attending, singing in the choir and displaying her strong faith in Jesus. She adored her pastor and his wife, Pastor Chad and Patty Lynn. She was talented with sewing, quilting and making her signature brownies (she is well known in the family as the best brownie maker ever!). She enjoyed the Boston Red Sox and foremost, time spent with her cherished family. She loved attending the many sports games in which her grandchildren played. Mary is survived by her loving husband Richard Shapleigh, Sr. of Eliot, her 4 children, Richard W. Shapleigh, Jr. and his wife Lisa and children: Will & Lindsay, Jon & Kelli, Jason, & Micayla; Kathy Dionne and her husband, Bruce and children: Stephanie & Ben & Nina; Karen Hoffman and her husband, Curt and children: Marissa, Kyra, & Rachel; and Kim Clauson and children: Ryan, and Jared. As well as great-grandchildren, Jackson, Jacoby, Lucy, Michael, and Michael's brother to be born in June. Cherished Siblings: Peggy, Gary & Janet, Christine, Robert and Sheila. Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a wealth of friends. Friends and family are invited to visit with Mary's family on Tuesday May 26th 2015 from 6-8 pm in the JS Pelkey Funeral Home. A memorial service will be celebrated on Wednesday at 2:00 pm at Connect Community Church, Portsmouth, NH. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of the customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Mary's name may be directed to New Generation, P.O. Box 676, Greenland, NH 03840, a shelter for expectant mothers of which Mary worked and counseled women for many years.