SIDNEY – Jill Elizabeth (Lee) Purton, 50, died peacefully Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, surrounded by her family, at home. She was born Oct. 10, 1958, in Millinocket. Jill was a 1976 graduate of Stearns High School. After graduation Jill moved to California and worked at Garrett Aircraft. She returned to Maine and was employed by Bangor Mental Health Institute as a ward clerk and then worked briefly for Dr. Boynton in Millinocket. Jill became an employee of the U.S. Postal Service; a job she greatly enjoyed and was forced to retire early due to her extended battle with Multiple Myeloma. Jill was an exceptional cook and enjoyed many crafts. A talented quilter, she left a multitude of cherished handcrafted quilts to wrap her family with love. Jill will be remembered for her generosity in giving of herself, her positive fighting spirit and her loyalty to those she loved. A loving daughter, Jill is survived by her mother, Brenda (Beaulieu) Lyons and stepfather, James Lyons. Married in 1980, Jill was the loving wife of Allan F. Purton. She was also a devoted mother of two lovely daughters, Carrissa and Jessica Purton; and the proud grandmother of two granddaughters, truly the joys of her life, Macey Elizabeth and Emma Lynn. The eldest of six children, Jill was part of a close family growing up and continued to be a pillar of strength and was best known for her fiery spirit. Jill leaves behind four brothers: her best friend, Christopher Lee of Portland, Jeffrey MacDonald and his wife, Theresa, of Glenburn, Aaron MacDonald and his wife, Mary-Ellen, of Bangor and Robert MacDonald and his wife, Meghan, also of Bangor; as well as one sister, Michaela Lyons of Portland. In addition, Jill is also survived by a sister, Jennifer Lee of Old Town; and a brother, Brent Lee of Glenburn. Jill leaves behind her mother-in-law, Lillian Purton, with whom she shared a special relationship; and a sister-in-law, Roslyn Scott. Jill leaves behind a large extended family of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, for whom she cared very deeply. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Arnold and Este Beaulieu of East Millinocket and Mildred and Rex Lee of Millinocket. Services will be announced in the spring. Donations in Jill’s memory may be made to CancerCare of Maine, care of Healthcare Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931 or St. Joseph Healthcare, P.O. Box 1638, Bangor, ME 04402-1638. Arrangements by Memorial Alternatives, Bangor.
JILL ELIZABETH (LEE) PURTON
