Mary Gillick, formerly of Libby

Mary Gillick was called home suddenly on Nov. 11, 2012, from Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska.

Mary was born and raised in West Bangor, N.Y., where she met and married her first husband, Richard Lyle Smoot, on Dec. 31, 1960. 

They moved to Libby in 1967 where they raised their three children.

Mary started her career in banking at United Bank, enjoying her work and developing lifelong friendships. She loved leading the congregation through music and serving in the ministries of the Libby Baptist Church. 

They moved to Anchorage in June 1984 where she continued in banking as a loan secretary at National Bank of Alaska.

After the death of her first husband, Mary married Charles Gillick on Sept. 3, 1988. They continued living in Anchorage until they retired in 1994.

They then moved to the beautiful town of Seldovia, Alaska, where they enjoyed living for 15 years. During that time they also enjoyed traveling the lower 48 states in their 5th-wheel trailer visiting friends and family. They also traveled to Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and Pago Pago. 

A special trip for Mary and Chuck was when they joined a church group to go to Mexico for a mission trip. 

In 2009, they left Seldovia and moved to Seldotna, Alaska, to be closer to family living in Anchorage. They quickly became involved at the New Life Assembly Church, the Senior Center and in the community. 

In 2010, Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer, but after going through treatment, made a full recovery. She then became active in helping find a cure by participating in breast cancer walks.

Mary’s strength through this difficult challenge was her unwavering faith in Christ. 

Mary is survived by her husband, Charles; daughters Debra and Leah; son Rick; sons-in-law, Scott (Debra) and Mark (Leah); daughter-in-law Julie (Rick); seven grandchildren, including Ashley, Paige, Dalton, Blaire, Hailey, Tristan and Tyler; step-daughter, Meg; and step-grandchildren Annette and Robert.

Donations can be made in her honor to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation. 

 A memorial will be held in Alaska at a later date.