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ROCKLAND - Marie Ann Crabtree, 54, died December 29th, 2016, at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick in the company of her long-time partner, devoted sisters and parents -- after a brief but ruthless battle with lung cancer.

Marie was a beloved caretaker for many families on North Haven Island, and was known by all as a tremendously creative and skilled craftswoman, decorator, painter and master gardener. She traveled far and wide to collect antiques and unique items. She could take something ordinary and transform it into something extraordinary. In addition to her many talents, she is remembered for these personal characteristics: her wicked sense of humor, wit and laugh, dedication and commitment to her work, honesty and forthrightness, generosity and thoughtfulness. She often went out of her way to help others and took care of her extended family to ensure they had what they needed. She was a very considerate gift giver.

A true Mainer with roots extending back to the 1800s in Hope, Marie graduated from Camden High School. She traveled the United States with her beloved dog, Oliver, and lived for a while on Cape Cod, MA and in Englewood, FL before returning to Maine permanently. She felt a strong connection to Eagle Lake, Maine, and frequently returned to visit this place where she lived as a young child.

Pre-deceased by her brother, John “Emmet” Crabtree Jr., Marie is survived by a large immediate and extended family, including her very special significant other, Kenneth Hopkins of North Haven; mother, Arlene Crabtree of Hope; father, John G. Crabtree and his wife, Virginia, her stepmother, of Warren; sisters Valerie Crabtree-Chapman and her husband, Jeff, of West Gardiner, Deborah Crabtree of Hope, Angela Crabtree and her partner Elizabeth Banwell of South Portland, and Sandra Crabtree of Rockland. She also leaves her half brothers and sister, Craig Orff, of Pennsylvania, Arnie Crabtree of Union, Brenda Monson of Rockland; step-sister Beverly Michaud of Hampden, and her step-brother Stacey Howard of Warren. In addition, she leaves many nieces and nephews including: Christine Smith of West Gardiner, Dylan Chapman of West Gardiner, Jesse Chapman of Chelsea, Myra Crabtree of Union, Garrett Crabtree of Hope, and Jack Brown of North Haven. She also leaves a multitude of friends who will miss her dearly, including Chris Cokinis, one of her oldest and dearest friends as well as many, many others.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 4th, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland, where a Celebration of Marie’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 5th. The Rev. Andrew Stinson will officiate. A reception will follow at the Rockland Lodge of Elks, 210 Rankin Street, Rockland. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Bob Gagnon Cancer Care Fund, C/O PenBay Healthcare Foundation, 22 White St., Rockland, ME 04841.

Marie will be buried at Hope Grove Extension Cemetery next to her brother Emmet, on Hatchet Mountain Road come Spring.