Mary E. Knox, 96, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, at her home in Belfast. She was born in Belfast on April 13, 1929, to Milton and Nettie (Cornforth) Blake. Mary attended the Belfast Schools until her Sophomore year when her family moved to Knox. Mary graduated as Valedictorian from Morse Memorial High School in Brooks, Class of 1947. She continued her education at Boston University and Husson College.

In 1958, Mary married Stanley E. Knox, formerly of Saco. Together they raised three children: Farley, Steven, and Mary. While living in Unity, they operated Mary’s Drive-In, a popular local ice cream and take-out spot that remains a fond memory for the community.

Upon Stan’s retirement from the Maine State Police in 1970, he was elected Sheriff of Waldo County, and the family moved to Belfast. They were the last family to reside in the historic “Jail House” at 19 Congress Street. Raising a young family in such an uncommon setting was a "story in itself," and Mary managed the one-of-a-kind household with grace. For 20 years, she served as the jailhouse cook, jail matron, and Deputy Sheriff; it was a frequent local joke that the cells stayed full simply because no one wanted to miss Mary’s cooking. 

For Mary and Stan, public service was a way of life. Mary was the epitome of a public servant, reflected in her long-term memberships with the American Legion Auxiliary and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was deeply involved with the Maine state and local Republican Committees and took great pride in her roots through the Unity Historical Society and the Waldo County Extension.

The couple returned to their Unity home in 1990, which became the heart of the family. Countless memories were made on their country property: gardening, apple picking, tractor rides, visits with Wilbur the pig, and joyful Easter egg hunts. For many years, they also enjoyed being "snowbirds," spending their winters in North Fort Myers, Florida.

Mary was a quick-witted, avid reader with a remarkable gift for remembering dates and numbers; she never missed a birthday. Mary loved social activities, especially her cherished  "Noel Club," a close-knit group of friends who met monthly for over 50 years. She was also a devoted Boston Red Sox fan. A recent highlight of her life was receiving an autographed hat and a personal FaceTime call from her favorite player, Jim Rice.

Mary was predeceased by her husband  Stanley,  parents, and her brother, Willis Blake of Searsport. She is survived by her children, Farley M. Drake, Steven W. Drake, and partner Andrea Kevin, and Mary E. (Knox) Wells and husband Craig. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ryan S. Drake (and mother Dianne Drake), Devon N.(Drake) Carman and husband Logan (and mother Charlotte Drake and stepfather Joel Bartlett), Hannah M. Wells, and Jenna R. (Wells) Uhll and husband Jack; her great-grandson, Knox Uhll; her granddog, Josey; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of her friends and family. A celebration of life will be held later at the Belfast Shrine Club on April 11th. All who wish to gather and share memories of Mary are welcome to attend.