LIMESTONE – Doris Dexter Thompson, 83, died Aug. 16, 2006, at Parkview Hospital, Brunswick. Doris was born March 9, 1923, in Lewiston, the daughter of Daniel Sheehan Dexter and Emily Cummiskey Dexter. As a child she attended Jordan Grammar School. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1941. During her high school years, Doris was considered a strong swimmer and was a member of the Lewiston High School women’s basketball team. At Lewiston High School, she defeated Maine’s future independent governor, James Longley, for the senior class presidency. She was named to the National Honor Society and was a member of the Alpha Beta Gamma sorority. In the fall of 1941, Doris entered the University of Maine, as a freshman. At UMaine she was a Sophomore Eagle, a cheerleader, a basketball player and a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She was the only member of the family to hold bragging rights to lettering at UMaine and membership in the “M” Club. In the spring of 1942, Doris met Keith Thompson, the son of an Aroostook County farmer and the love of her life. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married June of 1943 and celebrated 62 wedding anniversaries. Their wartime romance sent Keith to the South Pacific and Doris to home bases in Florida and California. While in California, she worked in an aircraft manufacturing plant. She graduated from the University of Maine in 1946, with a degree in history. Lifelong friendships were created during this period. After World War II, Keith and Doris returned to Aroostook County to work and raise their family. Doris was a homemaker, active community member and Girl Scout leader. After her children graduated from high school, Doris became a U.S. history teacher at Limestone High School. As an educator, Doris was considered one of the very best. Doris was interested in international affairs, the opinions of young people and enjoyed debating her viewpoints on many subjects. In their retirement years, Keith and Doris spent their summers at Madawaska Lake and their winters on Ana Maria Island, Fla. A longtime member of the American Association of University Women, AAUW, Doris was an avid reader and a member of the AAUW Book Group. She was known for her strong and abiding friendships throughout the years. For many, she was a mentor and role model. In May of this year, Doris was predeceased by her husband, Keith M. Thompson. She was also predeceased by her brother, David E. Dexter. Doris is survived by her sister and husband, Mary and Reginald Boutin of Scarborough; her daughter and her husband, Susan Thompson Cloutier and Jules Cloutier of Topsham; her son and his wife, Stephen Dexter Thompson and Nona Libby Thompson of Hallowell; and two grandchildren, David Stephen Thompson of Hallowell and Laura Thompson Brady and her husband, Damian Brady, of Lewes, Del. The Thompson family expresses their deepest gratitude for the loving care provided by the staff at Parkview Adventist Medical Center. For many years, the Thompson’s had a special relationship with members of the Methodist Church and its pastor, Ellen Cleaves. Thus, a memorial service will be conducted 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at the Limestone United Methodist Church, Main Street, Limestone, with Pastor Ellen Cleaves officiating. Interment will be after at Advent Cemetery, Limestone. Relatives and friends are invited to share continued fellowship at the Limestone United Methodist Church reception area after the interment service. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Mrs. Thompson to the Robert A. Frost Memorial Library, 238 Main St., Limestone, ME 04750. Envelopes will be available at the church. Arrangements are in the care of the Brackett Funeral Home, Brunswick and Dorsey Funeral Home, Fort Fairfield.
DORIS DEXTER THOMPSON
