DEXTER and SEARSPORT – The angels came to peacefully escort Mary “Mae” Falconer Mills to her place in heaven Jan. 15, 2006. She was born May 16, 1932, in Greenville, the daughter of George and Mary Falconer. She grew up in Shirley Mills as well as on Borestone Mountain in Elliotsville. She graduated from Greenville High School as a member of the Class of 1941. One of her proudest moments was qualifying for a basketball uniform as a freshman. She met her husband of 61 years, Raymond, on a blind date. They were married Dec. 26, 1944, at her parents’ home. After six days of marriage, Ray left for his U.S. army overseas mission in Europe. Upon his return they settled into their home on Rainroad Avenue in Dexter where they lived for more than 50 years. She worked as a substitute teacher in the Dexter and Corinna school systems. She also was a receptionist for more than 25 years at the office of Dr. Malcolm Stewart, optometrist. Upon their retirement, Mae and Ray loved to spend time in the summer at their camp on Center Pond in Sangerville. They loved to sit on the camp porch and listen to the sound of the loons. Mae was active in the Martha Washington Lodge of the Rebekahs, the Dexter Eastern Star, the Dexter Sunshine Kiwanis Club and the Dexter Methodist Church. She was a wonderful homemaker, as she loved to cook, clean, sew and knit. In the fall of 2003, Mae and Ray moved to Searsport to be closer to their family. They have been well cared for by family members as well as helpers, Diane Wardwell and Dixie Sorey. Mae had immeasurable and unconditional love for her family. There was no difference to her if family came through marriage or birth. Family was family and she loved each one equally. She is survived by her loving and loyal husband, Ray; as well as their daughters and their spouses, Jeanne and Bud Merrill and Janice and Ron Leighton of Searsport. She had five grandchildren and their spouses, Brian and Cara Merrill of Belfast, Rev Allen and Pastor Sara Ewing Merrill of Hudson, Mass., Karen Keniston of Searsport, Amy and Dan Ryder of Jay, and Sarah and her boyfriend, Chris McLaughlin, of Saco. Her great-grandchildren include Jacob and Kevin Keniston of Searsport and Seth Haven of Belfast. She was looking forward to the July birth of baby Ewing Merrill. She is also survived by her brother and his wife, Retired Maine State Police Captain, G. Paul and Christine Falconer of Winslow; her sister, Helen Whitmore of Grapevine, Texas; and sister-in-law, Mary Curtis of Brunswick. She also had many nieces and nephews whom she loved as grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Bessie; and brothers, John Curtis and Robert Falconer. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her including the family pets. She was a great wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, friend and neighbor. The family was blessed to have her for 82 years. A celebration of her life will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Belfast United Methodist Church, Mill Lane, Belfast. Everyone is welcome to join the family for fellowship and light refreshments at the church directly after the service. At the request of her family, please come to the celebration dressed in pink or red, Mae’s favorite colors as we celebrate the life of a wonderful and remarkable lady. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to Dexter United Methodist Church, care of Rev. Lois Field, P.O. Box 655, Dexter, ME 04930.
MARY MILLS
