D. Mary Cruise D. Mary Cruise , 89, of Portland, Maine, died January 30, 2008 after a brief period of declining health. She was a daughter of Walter J. and Annie (VanZandt) Siteman. Mary was a 1936 graduate of Cathedral High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts from St. Joseph's College and her Master's from the University of Maine. She taught English in local public schools for 36 years and retired in 1976. Mary met John F. Cruise of Brockton while he was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in Portland during World War II. They were married in 1946. Both were always very involved with Church activities and were long time parishioners of St. Joseph's Parish in Portland. Throughout her long life, many people were the recipients of her generosity of spirit and her commitment to the giving of herself in a variety of ways. Her dedication to serving others extended far beyond family boundaries. She was an active volunteer for St. Joseph's College, and later served on its Board of Directors, and generously supported the work of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Kentucky, a religious order of which two of her sisters-in-law were members, Sister James Ann Cruise, SCN, and Sister Thomas Miriam Cruise, SCN. No other undertaking occupied her heart as much as the many years she served the residents of the Baron Center's Alzheimer's unit, sharing her love of literature with those who could no longer read; being present to some who had no one else. Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband John in 1995 and was the last of 12 brothers and sisters. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews that will miss her very much. Funeral Information Funeral services were held at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home in Portland and a Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Feb. 2nd at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.