LOUISE ADELE RIER

MACHIAS – Louise Adele Rier died Feb. 17, 2007, after a brief hospitalization. She was born Jan. 19, 1920, in Machias, to Ezekiel Johnson and Harriet Means Johnson. She attended Machias schools and graduated at age 16. She worked at the Washington County Court House, as a clerk, later moving to Portland with her mother and worked as a legal secretary. She married James “Gene” Rier, Feb. 15, 1943. They lived at Stewart Field Army Base, Newburgh, N.Y. In 1946, they returned home to Maine and her husband built an automobile dealership, later known as Rier Motors. In the early years, Louise did the accounting for the dealership, but soon settled on family alone. She and her family spent every summer for more than 40 years at the family camp on Indian Lake, Whiting. The rules were no TV or telephone, but lots of swim-ming, water sports, boating, sailing and fishing. She loved to fish and kept a record book of all catches, still tucked neatly in the drawer. Each winter for many years, she and the family also spent time at their home in Zephyrhills, Fla. Louise was a member of the Raggedy Anns bowling team in Machias; she and Gene were avid square dancers. She was a member of the Machias Ski Club and spent many winters skiing with the family in Marshfield and East Machias, and trips to Sugarloaf Mountain during February vacations. Louise was a member of the Machias Planning Board for many years and volunteered at Down East Community Hospital. She enjoyed knitting, sewing and her favorite pastime, reading. In the last year of her life, she resided at Marshall’s Health Care and Rehabilitation, Machias, but her mind, memories and sense of humor remained sharp. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, James E. Rier Sr.; brothers, Warren and Robert Johnson; and beloved granddaughter, Jessica Marie Rier. She is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, James E. Rier Jr. and wife, Linda, of Topsham, David C. Rier and wife, Robin, of Jonesport, Dr. Sherry E. Rier Henry and husband, Kirk, of Machias, Matthew Rier and his children, Ashton, Matthew Jr. and Nicolas, of Boynton Beach, Fla., Robert Rier and his wife, Kris and children, Sophie and Ella, of Alexandria, Va., Scott Rier and his wife, Cynthia and children, Chloe and Mia, of Alexandria, Va., Nell Rier of New York City, Monica Stone and her husband, Andrew, of Andover, Mass., Eric Snowdeal III and his wife, Kris and son, Eric Snowdeal IV, of Viroqua, Wis., Jacob Bridges of Columbia Tenn., Jason Bridges and daughter, Serenity, of Manchester, N.H., and Elizabeth Bridges and her daughter, Hayley, of Winter Harbor. She left many special friends and extended family, especially Leona “Noni” Mac-Bride and David Watts. Louise had a long and full life, dedicating her life to her husband and family. Her family is grateful for the excellent and compassionate care of the staff and administration of Marshall’s, where she made many friends and to the caring staff at Down East Community Hospital. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11 a.m. Feb. 21, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Machias, with a celebration of her life immediately after the service, with family and friends at her home, 24 Broadway, Machias. Donations in her name can be made to The Endometriosis Association, 8585 North 76th Place, Milwaukee, WI 53223.