DOVER-FOXCROFT – Florence S. Purnell, 88, wife of the late Richard F. Purnell, died Oct. 15, 2010, at a local nursing home. She was born April 2, 1932, in Milton, Mass., the daughter of William E. and Eleanor (Dunn) Bullock. Florence was raised and lived in Quincy, Mass., where she graduated from Woodward School in 1941. She worked as a colorist at Andrew T. Johnson and Loring Studios, both of Boston, before color photography was available. She also did freelance work for those who wanted their old photographs colored. She later worked as a volunteer at Snug Harbor Elementary School, Quincy, Mass., and then became a teacher’s aide working first with learning disabled children and later with the early childhood program. Florence continued to work at Snug Harbor School until her retirement in 1996. Florence was an active member of First Baptist Church, Wollaston, Mass., for many years, serving as youth camp counselor, Sunday school teacher and choir member. She was also a longtime summer resident of Bowerbank, where she had many friends. She moved to Dover-Foxcroft in 2002. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah (Purnell) Gillard and her son-in-law, Steven H. Gillard, of Sebec; two sisters, Barbara Meacham of Norwell, Mass., and Eleanor Sellar of Halifax, Mass.; her stepson, Richard D. Purnell of Orlando, Fla.; her stepdaughter, Jeanne L. Adams of Garfield, Mass.; their children and grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Virginia. A memorial graveside service will be conducted at a later date in the family lot at Bowerbank Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hibbard Nursing Home activity fund, P.O. Box 159, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 or Pine Tree Hospice, care of Mayo Regional Hospital, 897 West Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.
FLORENCE S. (BULLOCK) PURNELL
