“Mrs. Greely was my high school class advisor, so I’ve known her for 25 years. She’s been a wonderful role model for literally thousands of our community’s youth. I couldn’t think of a better place for her portrait than her classroom.”

Mary Greely was born in Portland, Maine, and grew up in Scarborough. Upon graduating from Scarborough High, she earned a B.A. in English from St. Joseph’s College and a MSEd from the University of Southern Maine.

Greely moved to Kennebunk from Newcastle, New Hampshire, in 1970. She began teaching in 1964 and joined the staff of Kennebunk High School in 1980. For many years, she taught English but also provided instruction in Speech and Children’s Literature. She also served for years as the school district’s director of Adult Education Services, a role she once described as being “principal of the evening.”

Newly retired in 2007 after 43 years in education, Mary Greely is pursuing her other love:  making jewelry. She co-owns the Portland-based shop, Visibility, and colorful examples of her work are what Greely has contributed to this exhibition.

“The Kennebunks represent. . . a wonderful place to raise a family.”