Mary Bertha Ballard, 84, died Saturday morning, July 30, 2016 at the home of Peter and Gail Cousino in Bristol. Mary was born November 13, 1931 in Poultney, Vermont, the daughter of Henry and Pauline (Williams) Ballard. Mary attended school in the Poultney area. For many years, Mary lived in Middlebury. She worked at the Redemption Center and at the Counseling Service of Addison County. Mary and her close friend, Sylvia, were fixtures in the Middlebury community; they enjoyed going out to local diners and bakeries for coffee and to Mr. Ups and Woodys for an occasional beer. Mary liked to play cards and pool and she had been a Special Olympics athlete in her younger days. Mary always had a smile and warm words for everyone she met. In recent years, Mary moved to Bristol to live with the Cousino family. She attended Project Independence in Middlebury and looked forward to each day at Project, always ready and waiting for the van to pick her up. Project was her place and both the staff and drivers made Mary feel special. Mary enjoyed relaxing on the Cousino front porch and in the large kitchen. Mary welcomed guests, always asking. Are you staying for supper Mary was very much a part of the large extended Cousino family; from the day she arrived she felt she was home. She maintained her close friendship with Sylvia and they would visit, have lunch together, and get together for an occasional weekend in Middlebury to visit their favorite places. Mary also looked forward to the time she spent with her friend, Sharon. Marys warmth, kindness and smile will be missed by Sylvia and all of her friends. Her last years were among her best, thanks to Peter and Gail Cousino and their entire family. Burial will be in the East Poultney Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elderly Services in Middlebury. A service was held on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com