HERMON and BANGOR – Juanita (Drew) Littlefield, 89, wife of the late Lloyd Littlefield, went home to be with her Lord Sept. 8, 2011, with her family by her side. Juanita was born Sept. 28, 1921, in Benton, daughter of Samuel B. and Ella (Cressy) Drew.
She was educated in Glenburn and Bangor schools and graduated from Bangor High School. After graduation she moved with her family to Waltham, Mass., and worked for Raytheon Manufacturing Co., making equipment for the U.S. Department of the Navy during World War II. After the war Juanita returned to Bangor and became a hairdresser, managing Paul’s Beauty Salon, Paul and Kitty Shea and the Rosemarie Beauty Salon, all located in Bangor. In the mid-1950s, she purchased and managed her own beauty salon on Central Street, Bangor. With her successful expertise in hairdressing and her large clientele of customers, Juanita opened a beauty salon in her home in Hermon. Many of her Bangor customers followed her to the new location. After a short period of ill health, Juanita retired from hairdressing and entered the University of Maine, enrolling in the Continuing Education Program. While working in Hermon, Carmel and Levant as a substitute teacher and as a teacher’s aide, she would occasionally enroll in advanced English classes, to further her education. She was an avid reader, and read numerous books per month while doing her daily crossword puzzles. Juanita returned to full time work in the ’70s for the American Red Cross as a program director for service to military families and veterans, the Disaster and Community Services programs. The Community Service Program provided birthday cakes for every patient at Bangor Mental Health Hospital. Upon leaving the Red Cross she was presented with the Clara Barton Medal. From 1981 to 1987 she and Lloyd spent the winters in Zephyrhills, Fla. After his death she remained in Florida until 1998, before returning permanently to Bangor. In 1995 Juanita authored and published a cookbook entitled “The Best From Juanita’s Kitchen,” which has been enjoyed by family and friends. A real highlight in her life was taking a special tour that traveled to Israel and England in 1997. Juanita enjoyed singing in the church choir and taught Sunday school classes from age 2 through teens. Juanita was a member of the McKusick Family Association through her grandparents, Joseph and Charlotte (McKusick) Drew. She was also an eligible member of Daughters of the American Revolution. During the past five years many health issues plagued her and in December 2010 she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and fought a courageous battle and continued her upbeat attitude until the end. Juanita had a great zest for life and enjoyed every moment of the many occasions with her family and friends. This Scripture, II Timothy 4:7-8, is reflective of her life: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
She is survived by one sister, Marlene and husband, Floyd “Bud” Farren, of Bangor; two foster sons, Lenny Withee and wife, Bonnie, of Holly Hills, Fla., and Albert Withee and daughter, Angela, of Zephyrhills, Fla.; nieces and nephews, Joseph Megquier of Glenburn, Merrill Megquier of Hudson, Sherwood Megquier of Corinth, Charles Berry of Glenburn, Clyde Berry of Winslow, Ronald Drew of Milo, Darlene Robinson of Illinois, Eddie Zande of Massachusetts, Steven Zande of Rhode Island, Arthur Robinson, Phillip Robinson, Leanne Foster and Linda Bowden, all of Jacksonville, Fla., Dolores Cullicutt of Parkman, Timothy Farren and Terry Farren of Bangor, Gaynor Reynolds and Karen Schacht of Hermon; cousins, Pamela (Colson) Power of Veazie, Dr. Linwood Colson of Bangor and James Cressy of Miami; many other nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her husband, Lloyd, Juanita was predeceased by two brothers, Philip Drew and Dwight Drew; five sisters, Pearl Berry, Marie Megquier, Gertrude Robinson, Edith Zande and Wyone Robinson; and brother-in-law, Linwood Littlefield and his wife, Eula. A special life tribute to Gail (Littlefield) Sinclair, who predeceased Juanita Sept. 20, 2010, for her medical expertise, love, support and compassion. A special thanks to Brewer Rehabilitation and staff for their many kindnesses in making her last days comfortable. Also a thank you to the Rev. Ron Morris and the Glad Tidings church family. The cards and visits were greatly appreciated.
A funeral service will be held noon Tuesday, Sept. 13, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, with the Rev. Ron Morris, senior pastor of Glad Tidings Church, Bangor, officiating. Friends are welcome to call 11 a.m. until time of the service Tuesday. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor, immediately after the service Tuesday. Interment will be at Snows Corner Cemetery, Hermon. Those who wish to remember Juanita in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the memorial fund of Glad Tidings Church, 1033 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.