Mary L. Sturgeon, 84

Mary Lou (née Burrows) Sturgeon, 84, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on Aug. 26, 2026, in Port St. Lucie, Florida, two years after suffering a stroke.

Mary was born on Feb. 5, 1942, in Laconia, to Austin Gilman Burrows and Thelma Dumas Burrows. She graduated from Quimby School in Sandwich, in 1960, and went to beautician school in Florida.

After living in California, she eventually settled in Florida, where she married Bruce Harte. She and Bruce owned a second-hand shop called From Me to You Auctions before she retired.

Mary was a wonderful cook and baker. She never followed a recipe. The meals and desserts she made to sell at the auctions would usually sell out.

After retiring, Mary still enjoyed cooking, baking, word search, crossword puzzles and her game shows.

Mary was predeceased by her father, mother and beloved brother Richard.

She is survived by her husband; daughters Kimberly Bryant (Jerre) of Gorham, Maine, Kelly Atwood of South Portland, Maine, and Steffany McAuliffe (Marty) of Portsmouth; and her stepson, Michael Harte (Danielle) of Port St. Lucie, Florida; grandchildren Kelsey Murphy, Lauren Bryant, Shelby Bryant, Eric Lamontangue, Shayna Dicenso, Stefani Magee and Jordan Fletcher; great-grandchildren Layla, Derek, Theodore, Anthony, David and Roman; siblings Barbara Vachon, William Burrows (Holly) and sister-in-law Joanne Burrows; several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express great appreciation to her stepson Michael who was an amazing source of support for Mary, bringing her husband for visits along with her favorite foods and for being such a wonderful advocate for Mary over the two years she was in a long-term care facility.

As she wished, Mary will be laid to rest with her parents in Sandwich. Burial will be private.