Woodstock, Vt. - The very full life and the very busy hands of Mary Ellen Birmingham, came to rest at the age of 94, in the early hours of June 15, 2017. It was Mary's wish that she be allowed to make the journey to the end of her life in the home she shared with her beloved husband John. John promised her early on that he would keep her with him, no matter what it took, and he kept that one last promise. She also asked that there be no services, but just to be remembered.

Mary was the second of five girls born to William and Della Kellogg in Jericho, Vermont. She grew up on the family farm where the five daughters did the work required to maintain a farm, alongside their father. In those rare quiet times, Mary learned the skills of knitting, crocheting, cooking, baking, and sewing, from her mother Della. She attended school in and graduated from Underhill school. Following graduation, she moved and attended the Boston School of Cosmetology. Following completion of her studies there, she moved to Woodstock and was employed in more than one salon in town.


Mary's first marriage ended in divorce and she became the bride of John Marble Birmingham on October 29, 1956. He was the love of her life and together they had a son, John Marble Birmingham, Jr. Mary and John went on support and raise their son as a blended family with Mary's four other children - Carol, Donna, Bill, and Bonnie Jean.

As is often the case, Mary's initial interest and studies in cosmetology did not turn out to be her one passion as a vocation. That passion turned out to be sewing and that started out being a dressmaker. She created dresses, blouses, shirts and pants for her children, her mother-in-law Louise, and others in town. She also designed and created wedding gowns for her daughters Carol and then Bonnie. From there she evolved into curtains and drapes. Finally, she taught herself the craft of slip covering. Her skills grew to such a professional level that it led to multiple decades of her reputation preceding her. Homeowners and interior decorators alike sought Mary out to breathe new life into cherished heirlooms and family pieces. In her "free" time Mary created such beautiful quilts that they were much sought after. Each of her children and their families have these treasures in their homes.

Over their 60 year marriage John and Mary shared numerous miles and adventures together. They drove to Alaska twice, rode their motorcycle to Maine, New Hampshire, parts of Vermont, Nova Scotia, and Tennessee. While in Tennessee they visited The Grand 'Ole Oprey at Ryman Theater in Nashville, as Mary especially loved country music. They logged over 150,000 miles on the motorcycle together.

John and Mary put a swimming pool in the back yard of their home themselves, in 1970. Mary loved the water and the inaugural annual swim began May 1st, regardless of the temperature and ended in October. Many laps and exercises were accomplished every summer by Mary.

Mary had a large network of girlfriends over the years. When Mary moved to Woodstock she made and maintained friendships with Nancy Roy, Libby LeBlanc, Catherine Holt, Tookie Staples, and Esther Maynes.

She always made "time for coffee" for any one or several at the same time, taking great delight in sharing stories of family life and the raising of their children. She had a girlfriend Margaret Silva that she met in first grade and visited over the years up until she and John's last visit 3 years ago.

John and Mary were avid fans of WUHS sports for close to 50 years, beginning when their son Bill played football. They attended most home and away games, following football and lacrosse. They both were fans of the New England Patriots, with Tom Brady being Mary's favorite player.

Mary hunted deer with John for years, and it took several years for John to match Mary's first time in the woods with a gun. She bagged a 5-point, 174 pound buck!

Mary is survived by her one true love John, and their children Carol (Nelson) Lamson, Bill (Sheila) Birmingham, Bonnie (late husband Steve) Carr, and John Birmingham, Jr. Mary was predeceased by her beloved daughter Donna and is survived by Donna's husband Ron Kinley. In addition, Mary leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, as well as many nieces and nephews. It should also be noted that Mary left behind her golden retriever, Bella and her kitty Boots. John and Mary shared their love of dogs and cats throughout their life together.


As evidenced in family photos, whenever John and Mary walked anywhere, they were always holding hands. She will truly be missed.