FRANKLIN – Miriam passed away May 30, 2005, at MDI Hospital. She was born Jan. 14, 1926, in Bloomsburg, Pa., the daughter of Isaac and Catherine Jones. She was predeceased by her parents, a younger brother, Leonard; and a nephew, Keith Jones. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Walter Stillwell and her daughter, Catherine, both of Franklin; a brother, Myron Jones and wife, Julie, of San Francisco, Calif.; a sister, Rosalie Clark and husband, Ronald, of Leesburg, Fla. and Trenton; a sister, Dorothy Sawyer of Shelburne, Vt.; several nieces and nephews. Miriam lived a full and productive life. She was a devoted wife and mother, a wonderful sister and a loyal friend to everyone she knew. She was an avid reader and loved her music, flowers, her church association and her kitties. During World War II, the family moved to Bath and both Miriam and her father worked at the Bath Iron Works. Following their return to Franklin, Miriam was employed by Bell Telephone, as an operator on the “old fashioned” switchboard system, until it was automated into the Ellsworth network. She then worked for the superintendent of schools, Henry Perkins, until his retirement. She also worked for Dr. Fred Cushman, The Katsiaficas Agency, Ellsworth Ford Sales and Down East Health Services until she retired. She was generous, caring, forgiving and always had a sense of humor, even in the most difficult circumstances. After the death of her father, she became the primary care-giver for her mother for many years. Several years ago, she joined the ever-growing ranks of those who suffer from Alzheimer’s and this made her life’s journey more difficult. She was able to remain at home, thanks to the loving care given her by her husband. But even as the present faded, she could recall many amusing and interesting incidents from earlier years, telling us stories that we never knew. She kept the past alive, for herself and others. She will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. A memorial service to celebrate and honor the life of Miriam will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, June 19, 2005, at Community of Christ Church, 283 State St., Ellsworth. Friends are invited to join her family at this service and share their own memories of Miriam.
MIRIAM J. STILLWELL
