ORONO – Bertha Faustina Carter Cushman, 98, died Saturday, May 6, 2006, at her home. She was born Oct. 7, 1907, in Washburn, the daughter of the late Calvin and Faustina Carter. Bee was married June 20, 1932, to Parker Grindell Cushman who predeceased her Nov. 9, 1979. She graduated from Wash-burn High School and from the University of Maine and started a teaching career which spanned many years. Parker and Bee moved to Orono when Parker returned from the Philippines at the end of World War II. Bee was known for her cooking skills (divinity fudge was one of her specialties), her generous hospitality, her candid observations and her impeccable sense of style. She was active in Pi Beta Phi Alumnae, AAUW, the Thursday Club of the Church of Universal Fellowship, and several reading groups. When a hearing impairment curtailed these activities, she remained a voracious reader. She is survived by her daughter, Virginia L. Ferrara of Albuquerque, N.M.; sister-in-law, Mavis Carter of Wash-burn; nephews, G. Milton Carter of Stockholm and James F. Carter of Washburn; nieces, Mary C. Kaler of Boothbay Harbor and Gail R. Carter of Portland; and great-niece, Elizabeth C. Warren of Bangor. Bee was predeceased by an infant daughter, Claire Elaine Cushman; brothers, Ray H. Carter of Washburn, General George M. Carter of Augusta and Claude H. Cater of Dexter; sister, Carrie Crouse of Dexter; nephews, Berkley Carter of Pawtucket, R.I., and Keith Crouse of Dexter; and a niece, Anna M. Crouse of Dexter. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 10, at the Church of Universal Fellowship, 82 Main St., Orono, with interment to follow at Woodbine Cemetery, Ellsworth. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions to the Orono Public Library, 18 Goodridge Dr., Orono, ME 04473 or to the Church of Universal Fellowship, 82 Main St., Orono, ME 04473. Arrangements are being handled by Brookings-Smith Funeral Home. www.BrookingsSmith.com
BERTHA FAUSTINA CARTER CUSHMAN
