OLD TOWN – Marie deGaribody went home to be with her Lord Oct. 23, 2004, surrounded by her family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, John deGaribody; her son, J. Russell deGaribody Jr. and his wife, Sharon, and her daughter, Heidi Bach, her husband, Richard Bach, and her grandchildren Joshua, Moriah, Rebecca, and Nathan. Marie grew up in Calais with her three sisters, graduating from Calais Academy as Gwendolyn Marie Doncaster in 1947. She attended business school prior to her long career with New England Telephone Company. Her 30 years work at New England Telephone began as an operator and culminated as a sales manager handling the sale and installation of large commercial phone systems. Despite her love of her job, her family’s best interest always came first, turning down promotions rather than moving her children. Marie enjoyed creation and spent many hours hiking and camping throughout the state of Maine. She shared this love of the outdoors with her husband, children and grandchildren. She especially loved the mountains and shore-side hikes of Mount Desert Island combined with picnics and stops for ice cream on the ride home. She was an avid Scrabble fan and spent each morning after her retirement working on the daily crossword puzzle. She loved reading, theatre, cross-country skiing and sewing for her family. John and Marie traveled extensively in the United States and Canada. She took a memorable trip to England with her daughters in 1996. Marie had a special way with children of all ages. Her house was filled with her children, their friends, her nieces, her nephews, and finally her grandchildren. Her grandchildren have wonderful memories of Nanna playing peek-a-boo and reading favorite books to them. John and Marie’s faith in God and a commitment to serve Him through their local New Testament church sustained them through their life together. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in her early sixties. Her sweet disposition never wavered even when she was unable to communicate with spoken word. Even in the end stage of her disease she was quick to smile and laugh with her family and friends. We look forward to seeing her again when we meet our blessed Savior. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Friday at the Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A celebration of her life will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday at the Faith Baptist Church, Orono. Interment will be at Lawndale Cemetery. Marie was a founding member of Faith Baptist Church of Orono. Donations in her memory may be made to Faith Baptist Church Deacon’s fund at P.O. Box 44, Orono, ME 04473. This will be used to help local families in need. www.dignitymemorial.com
MARIE DEGARIBODY
