Mary L. George graduated from Waterville High School in 1955. Born in 1936, the 13th child of James and Carrie George, she grew up on King Court in the Head of Falls section of the city.  After graduation, she was employed at the Hathaway Shirt Company in Waterville, where she met her future husband, Jim O’Connor. They married in 1960 and soon after relocated to New York, where they raised 5 children.

The heart of Mary’s life was always her children, siblings, cousins, and many nieces and nephews, many of who still reside in the Waterville area. Mary was known for her generosity of love and kindness. Sadly, she passed in 1976 after losing a battle with brain cancer. Because it was the childhood home of their mother and many supportive, caring family members, the siblings have always felt deeply connected to the community. In that spirit, they founded the Mary L. George Foundation to provide opportunities for the next generation.