PRESQUE ISLE and MARS HILL – Maxine M. Duncan, 75, died May 17, 2009, at a local hospital after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born Dec. 11, 1933, in Presque Isle, the daughter of Hedley and Velma (Grass) MacDonald. She was a member of Mars Hill United Methodist Church and since 1986, a member of Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, Presque Isle, where she was a member of the choir, board of trustees, United Methodist Women, kitchen hospitality crew and several other church related organizations. She and her husband, Dick, owned and operated Duncan Funeral Home, Mars Hill, for more than 18 years until they moved to Presque Isle to work with their sons after they purchased Graves Funeral Home. Maxine was a longtime member of Lunar Chapter No. 126 Order of the Eastern Star of Presque Isle, and was a member and past worthy matron of Friendship Chapter No. 140 Order of the Eastern Star, Mars Hill, and served as grand adah of the Grand Chapter of Order of the Eastern Star of Maine. She was also mother advisor to Mars Hill and Presque Isle Rainbow Girls Assemblies for many years, helping to mentor several young girls, with her never give up and encouraging spirit. Maxine was a past member of Aroostook Valley Country Club, Fort Fairfield, where she was a past president of the ladies league, a member of Presque Isle Country Club, Mars Hill and Blaine Community Club, and several other fraternal and civic organizations. Her greatest love in her later years was playing bridge. Her “bridge ladies” even took precedence over her cancer treatments at times. She had a smile for everyone and every bump in her pathway of life was met with determination and stoic elegance. In addition to her mother of Ocala, Fla., she is survived by her husband, Richard H. “Dick” Duncan of Presque Isle; her sons, Richard M. “Rick” Duncan and his wife, Nancy, of Presque Isle and Dirk A Duncan and his wife, Sharon, of Mapleton; grandchildren, Sarah Duncan, Brady Mahan and his girlfriend, Farrah Cayer, and Brandy Cronin and her husband, Gene; three great-grandchildren, Mallory Grace, Brycen and Breygan; three brothers, Dana MacDonald and his wife, Marion, of Ocala, Fla., Elwood MacDonald and his wife, Georgette, of Florida and New Hampshire, and the Rev. Dr. Galen “Joe” MacDonald and his wife, Pam, of Pennsylvania; a sister, Pearl Carmichael of Presque Isle; a sister-in-law, Marilyn MacDonald of Brewer; a brother-in-law, Wendell H. Duncan and his wife, Joy, of Presque Isle; several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. In addition to her father, she was predeceased by her brother, Gary MacDonald. Relatives and friends may call 3-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle, with Eastern Star services beginning 4 p.m. conducted by officers and members of Lunar Chapter. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday at Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, Fleetwood Street, Presque Isle, with the Rev. David Williams officiating. Interment will be at Fairmount Cemetery, Presque Isle, with a reception to be held after at the church. Those who wish may make donations in her memory to the future construction of a hospice home, care of House of Comfort Hospice House Foundation, P.O. Box 766, Presque Isle, ME. 04769. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Maxine leaves a legacy of quiet hope, courage, faith, dignified spirit, and warmth and devotion to her family, community and church.
MAXINE M. DUNCAN
