ROCKLAND — Mary Arnold Kaufman, died on December 15, 2024, in Rockland, Maine, after a short illness. Mary died on her terms the way she lived life, surrounded by friends and family who were laughing and telling stories. Born in 1936 in Salem Massachusetts to Chester and Alice Ryan Arnold, she was the youngest of three children, Jane Arnold Hamburger and Thomas F. Arnold (predeceased 2008).

After graduating from the University of Massachusetts, she joined the Army where she was stationed in Germany for two years. She talked fondly of her time there where she was asked to serve as the unit’s Fasching queen, no doubt because of her warm and outgoing personality.

Upon her return she joined the New York City department of Education teaching High School history. She later became Dean of Students at the High School of Fashion Industries.

Upon retirement she pursued her love of art and became a quite good artist, primarily using watercolors. She also developed a deep love of golf and bridge, which she played with her husband, Arnold Kaufman, whom she married in July of 1977. In marriage she not only gained a husband but also a daughter, Ellen Kaufman Feldman, a son-in-law, Howard Feldman. A few months later she became a grandmother to Bryan (predeceased 2020). Bryan was followed by Sandra and Adam.

After retirement Mary and Arnold split their time between New York City and Rockland, Maine, playing golf, first at the Samoset, and then later at the Rockland Golf Club, and developing a strong group of friends, many bridge partners. Mary last played golf in October. Through playing Monday and Wednesdays for the over twenty years as a member of the Rockland Bridge Club, she achieved Bronze Life Master status through the American Contract Bridge League. A feat of which we are proud.

Upon Arnold’s death in 2012, Mary began spending her winters in San Miguel de Allende Mexico. She cherished her time there which she filled with good friends and more good bridge.

She will be greatly missed by all who loved her, including her great grandchildren Samuel and Lilliana Solorzano and Alexis and Jordyn Feldman; her grandchildren, Adam Feldman, his wife Jessica, and Sandra and her husband, Kojo Eason; her nephews, nieces, and grand nephews and nieces: Rolf, Paul, and Peter Hamburger, Pati Hernandez, Paula Hernandez, Henry and Luisa Myer; Tom, Tiffany, Thomas, Sophia, Lucia, Arnold; James, Darcy, Virginia, Mary, Edward Arnold and Marie alice Arnold and Doug, Jefferson, and Henry Schoemer. As will many others who knew her warmth, smile, and booming laugh.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Burpee Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home.