MAE DORA MCLELLAN

SHERMAN STATION and GORHAM – Mae Dora McLellan, 95, passed away peacefully May 7, 2008, at her home at the Gorham House, just a few days short of her 96th birthday. She was born May 26, 1912, in Lac Baker, New Brunswick, to James and Mina Garrity. Mae had fond memories of her childhood and life on the farm on the shores of Lac Baker, New Brunswick. When she was an early teen, her family moved to Portage Lake. Mae graduated from business college in Fredericton, New Brunswick. As a professional bookkeeper, she returned to Portage Lake and took a position with the local lumber company there. Soon after, she was offered a similar position with The Sherman Lumber Co., Sherman Station. It was there that she met Delmont McLellan. They were married in November 1931, made their home in Sherman Station, and had two children, Bertrand James and Mary Della. After the children came along, Mae continued her role of devoted homemaker. She also was a skilled seamstress and her needlework was exceptional. She enjoyed many other crafts as well and was usually very busy with projects at home, in the community and the local school programs. Mae enjoyed gardening as well, and was always very busy canning and cooking. Her wonderful bread and cookies were famous and were always some of the first to be sold at local bake sales. Among other things, Mae organized a Girl Scout troop, and was the leader for three years. In 1947, Mae opened a dry goods store in Sherman Station, a successful venture that she continued to operate until she sold it in the early 50s. In the meantime, her husband opened a men and boys clothing store in nearby Patten. After selling her store, Mae worked part time for her husband at the Patten store. When Delmont passed away in 1966, Mae ran the Patten store until she sold it to Dean McKinney of Patten a short time later. Not content to retire, Mae accepted an office position with her former employer, The Sherman Lumber Co., and worked there well into her 70s. Even though French was her only childhood language, Mae spoke fluent and perfect English, and on many occasions in her life, both at home and in business, she used her bilingual skills in many helpful ways, much to the delight and appreciation of everyone. In 1987, Mae moved to a new home in Windham, where she continued to find pleasure in gardening, visiting with family and baking her special treats for everyone. In 2002, Mae moved to an assisted living apartment at the Gorham House, Gorham. Her friends, neighbors and staff there will miss her very much. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Bertrand James McLellan and his wife, Carole, of Delray Beach, Fla., and Naples; Mary Della Netz and her husband, Alan, of Thompson Falls, Mont.; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, four great- great-grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Garrison of Houlton; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings, Stella, Pearl, James, Theresa “Tess,” Lawrence and Patrick. Friends may call 2-3 p.m. Monday, May 12, at Bowers Funeral Home, Sherman Street, Island Falls, where funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Interment will be at Sherman Mills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice care of Bowers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 579, Houlton, ME 04730.