VERNICE STURGEON

LINCOLN – Vernice B. Sturgeon passed away Oct. 28, 2008, with her family at her side at a Bangor hospital. She was born March 3, 1934, in Lincoln, the daughter of Carl and Helen (Lord) Batleno. Vernice graduated as salutatorian from Mattanawcook Academy in 1951. She worked at Lincoln Hospital for 20 years, as well as Bailey’s Drug Store. She was an active member of Lincoln Lions and Lioness Club. Although a quadriplegic for almost 40 years, Vernice managed to raise her three sons and take care of her husband of more than 50 years without ever feeling sorry for herself or complaining about her situation. She out lived her doctor’s predications by many, many years. She was as strong a person as one can be, despite her disability. She is survived by her husband of 57-plus years, Theodore of Lincoln; three sons and their spouses, Andrew and Karen Sturgeon of Bangor, Thomas and Diane Sturgeon of Bowdoinham, and Mitchell and Kimberly Sturgeon of Scarborough; four grandsons, Drew and his wife, Adrienne, Mark, Bradley and Zachary; four granddaughters, Kaitlin, Amy, Elizabeth and Erin; a sister, Vivian Soldavini of Santa Barbara, Calif.; nieces and nephews; and two brothers-in-law, Richard Jordan and Richard Gagnon. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Thursday and 1-2 p.m. Friday at Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln, where funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday with the Rev. Darrell Joiner officiating. Interment will be at Lincoln Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Penobscot Valley Humane Society, 1 Park Ave., Lincoln, ME 04457. For an online register book, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com.