YARMOUTH – Evelyn M. Johnston, 103, formerly of Portland and Ellsworth, passed away peacefully July 6, 2009, with her loving family by her side at Brentwood Manor, Yarmouth. She achieved the honor of being Brentwood’s and the city of Yarmouth’s oldest resident. Evelyn was born June 22, 1906, in Westbrook, a daughter of Charles F. and Mabel L. (Cousins) Libby. She attended Portland schools. In 1921 she married Archie C. Johnston, who predeceased her in 1972. In 1925 she moved to Hartford, where she resided for 20 years and raised her only child, Betty Lou. In 1945 she moved to Ellsworth, where she and her husband owned and operated Sunset View Mobil Home Park, General Store and Gas Station. While in Ellsworth, Evelyn was a matron of Irene Chapter No. 97 Order of the Eastern Star. She served on local non-profit committees and clubs, and was an active member of First Congregational Church, Ellsworth. Evelyn also managed her daughter’s dance studio for four years. After retiring in 1965, Evelyn and Archie moved to South Portland, where she was employed at Kiddy Korner, Portland, for 13 years. Upon leaving her South Portland home, she resided at 75 State St., and continued her journey to Brentwood. Evelyn participated in many activities, Beano being her favorite, and community field trips. The staff named her “Gram,” as she touched so many lives and made friends with her warm sunny smile and sense of humor. Knitting was her passion and she enjoyed making scarves for her great-granddaughters, daughter and close friends. Evelyn always looked forward to visits with her family, which included rides to Portland Headlight, family gatherings at her daughter and son-in-law’s home and cottage in Belgrade, as well as grandsons’ homes in Freeport and Chester, N.H. Her favorite pastime at the cottage was her rides on the pontoon boat around Long Pond enjoying sunsets. She was a member of Williston West Congregational Church, Portland. Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Archie; a grandson, Glenn Moore; one brother and four sisters. She is survived by her daughter, Betty Lou Mitchell and her husband, Don, of Etna; three grandsons, Bryan Moore and his wife, Laurie, of Chester, N.H., Ronald Moore and his wife, Tracey, of South Freeport and George Mitchell of Pompano Beach, Fla.; four great-granddaughters, Bryanne Moore, Arley Moore, and Alexandra Moore, all of Chester, N.H., and Lauren Moore of South Freeport; two great-great-grandchildren, Raina Moore and Shayne Moore, both of Chester, N.H.; several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, July 10, at Williston West Church, 32 Thomas St., Portland. Interment will be after at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland, with a bagpiper and burial ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations in Evelyn’s name may be made to Glenn M. Moore Memorial Scholarship Fund, care of Betty Lou Mitchell, 51 Shadow Lane, Etna, ME 04434. Arrangements are being handled by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com.
EVELYN M. JOHNSTON
