FAIRFIELD – Vivian W. Crabbe, 99, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2009, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Waterville. She was born April 30, 1910, in Mars Hill, the daughter of Herbert E. and Gladys (Glidden) Wallace. She began her schooling at Rural School, West Ridge Road, for the first three grades. The family moved to Westfield, where in 1927 she graduated from Westfield High School. She then went on to the former Aroostook State Normal School, Presque Isle, graduating from there in 1929. She started her 35 years of teaching in Mars Hill. In 1934, she married Carvel A. Crabbe of Fort Fairfield, and soon after they moved to Fairfield. Married female teachers were not being hired in those days. Vivian returned to teaching in the early 1940s, accepting a position at Waterville Junior High for two years and then accepting a position in Fairfield. In 1949, she and her husband moved to Massachusetts. She accepted a teaching position in East Bridgewater, Mass., and remained there for the next 22 years. She retired in 1971 when they moved back to their home on Ridge Road, Fairfield. Vivian was a member of Fairfield First Baptist Church, the former Angie Day Philatias and former Past and Present Club, Fairfield Historical Society, Massachusetts Retired Teachers Association – Plymouth County Division, National Teachers Association, a member at large of G.F.W.C./ Maine Federated Women’s Clubs and Maine Mayflower Society. She was predeceased by her parents; her stepfather, Charles B. Porter; her husband, Carvel A. Crabbe, in 1971; and two sisters, Vena Wallace and Joy Porter Galante. Vivian is survived by her brothers, Ronald H. Wallace and his wife, Elaine, of Augusta, and Emmett “Bud” C. Porter and his wife, Gwendolyn, of Mars Hill; six nieces, many great-nieces and great-nephews, and several cousins. Following the wishes of the deceased, there will be no public viewing. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Maplewood Cemetery, Fairfield. In the event of inclement weather, services will be held at First Baptist Church, Fairfield. Friends who wish to make a memorial donation may do so to a charity of their choice or to Abiding Memorial Fund, First Baptist Church, 12 Newhall St., Fairfield, ME 04937. Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 107 Main St., Fairfield. Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com.
VIVIAN W. CRABBE
