LITCHFIELD – Mary Augusta Stoddard, 92, of Litchfield died on Saturday, August 1, 2015 in Augusta.  She was born on December 31, 1922 in Gardiner, Maine, the adopted daughter of George and Mary (Wilson) Wellman.  

In 1946 she was married to James Stoddard.  Together they enjoyed 55 years of marriage, and camping trips with friends.

Mary was employed for 24 years by the State of Maine, Department of Mental Health for 24 years until her retirement in February 1986.  

During WWII she served in the Navy (WAVES) from 1943-1945.  She was assigned to communications and received training at Hunter College NYC, as well as Miami University Communications School in Oxford, OH.  Her Duty stations were Boston and Newport, RI.  

In 1986 Mary and her husband James joined the American Legion where they were very active in the organization.  She was previously elected as Post Commander of the American Legion William R. Bold Post 181.  She was the first woman to be elected since the Post was established in 1949.  She held legion positions at the local, county, and district levels, including Historian, Americanism Officer, Second Vice Commander, and also represented Post 181 as a delegate to the American Legion State Convention from 1988-1990.    In addition, Mary also had joined the Kennebec County Council of the American Legion, where she also was elected to the position of Historian.  

She was a member of the Litchfield Senior Center where she served on the Senior advisory Committee, and was a volunteer at the Litchfield Food Bank for several years.  

She was predeceased by a sister, Margaret, and brother, Maurice Jensen.  

She is survived by her son, James Stoddard Jr. of Litchfield.  

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 10am at the Litchfield Plains Cemetery with Pastor Scott Webb officiating.