ROCKPORT — Marie Carmel Novotney, of Rockport, Maine and Hutchinson Island, Florida, died on July 16, 2024 at the Pen Bay Medical Center. She is survived by her husband, Laurence Charles Novotney; daughter, Dr. Jennifer Anne Laughlin; son-in-law, Dr. James Laughlin; and granddaughters, Madeline Marie Laughlin and Abigail Patricia Laughlin.

Marie was born in Washington, DC, and spent her younger years attending school and exploring the environs of the District of Columbia and later the Maryland suburbs. She attended college in Pennsylvania as a Fine Arts major before marrying her husband, Larry. Larry’s military service required Marie to establish homes in many areas, including Oklahoma, Georgia, Alaska, Maryland, and Virginia. Their transition to civilian life saw Marie living in Boston and Dallas before settling in Potomac, Maryland for over 30 years. Here she raised Jennifer, while being a strong supporter of youth soccer and club swimming. She also served as the administrator of a clinic that provided care to individuals suffering from eating disorders.

In the early 1990’s, Marie was visiting her sister in Florida when she received a call from Larry asking how her trip was going. During the conversation, she mentioned that “she may have bought an oceanfront condominium
last night”. Well, it turned out that she had, and in doing so launched another wonderful chapter in their lives. Marie loved to walk the beach on Hutchinson Island, and over the years enjoyed playing bridge, golf, tennis, and canasta. She loved socializing with her Florida friends, as well as hosting her parents, other family members and friends from various northern climes during the winter months.

The mid 2000’s introduced another new chapter in her life after she and Jennifer discovered a property in Rockport, Maine that overlooked Penobscot Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Having always wanted to build a home, Marie worked diligently with their architect and builder to make certain that every detail was perfect. Marie loved Maine: the natural environmental beauty, her wonderful friends, the terrific sailing, and relaxing and entertaining in her perfect home.

Marie was a talented artist, exceptional gourmet cook, experienced sailor and avid reader. For years she was a volunteer at both the Rockport Public Library and her local library in Jensen Beach. She made friends wherever she went, including in such community organizations as the Rockport Garden Club, the Rockport Boat Club, the Camden Yacht Club and the Megunticook Golf Club. Her sailing adventures included three Annapolis to Bermuda races, sailing the coasts of England, the Channel Islands, France, Spain and Portugal, and the East Coast of the United States from Florida to Maine, particularly the Chesapeake Bay, Penobscot Bay, and the Gulf of Maine, all aboard the yacht Allegro.

Marie was a great animal lover, and a series of wirehaired terriers were usually willing to allow Larry and Jennifer to share their time with Marie, either at home or while sailing. She loved gardening, particularly in Rockport with its accelerated growing season. She never met an ailing plant that she felt was not salvageable. And she was successful with most of them.

Marie was an ardent supporter of the visual arts and fine arts. She enjoyed visiting museums throughout the United States and Europe, and was often joined by Jennifer and later Maddie and Abby on these excursions. She loved attending ballet, concert, and opera at the Kennedy Center, performances of the Treasure Coast Opera in Florida, and works by Opera Maine, Everyman Theatre, and Bay Chamber Concerts while in Maine.

Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.

Remembrances in her name may be made to the Rockport Garden Club, PO Box 784, Rockport, ME 04856.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

To share a memory or condolence with the Novotney family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.