DOVER-FOXCROFT – Rory Lynne Schmand, 47, passed away Oct. 12, 2011, at a Bangor hospital after succumbing to injuries sustained in a car accident July 6, 2011, in Sangerville. She passed away the day before her 48th birthday. Rory was born Oct. 13, 1963, in Neptune, N.J., as one of six children to Richard Schmand, an artist and veteran, and Judith Schmand, a writer.
She moved with her parents, grandparents and siblings from Freehold Township, N.J., to Dover-Foxcroft, in 1978 at age 14. Rory gave birth to a daughter, Cheyanne Theresa Baird, March 13, 1981. She then went on to earn her GED and become a strong figure in the community. Rory worked in many customer service jobs in and around Dover-Foxcroft, including Ames, Fleet Bank, Maine Highlands Credit Union and Moosehead Furniture. She worked in sales at Numberall Stamp and Tool Co., Inc. until her accident July 6. Rory spent a lot of her time working on various community projects in Dover-Foxcroft and the surrounding region. She was a notary public, once served on the zoning board in Dover-Foxcroft and donated much of her time to schools, libraries, recreation departments and fire departments in the area. She also helped to organize many benefits and fundraisers for those in need in the community. She was a loving daughter, mother, fiancee, sister and friend. She cared for her family and friends immensely, and often was the one to offer advice and comfort to those around her. Rory also loved animals, and she leaves behind two yellow labs, Mya and Brandy; and her cat, Mittens. Rory also loved the outdoors and would often spend her free time gardening and camping with her fiance, James Bell. She was very fond of lilacs and she loved to search for four-leaf clovers. She also loved to cook and she made her famous apple, blueberry and cherry pies for many family gatherings. She will be remembered by so many in the community along with her close family and friends.
Rory is survived by her daughter, Cheyanne Baird; son-in-law, Shane Buker; fiance, James Bell; her fiance’s children, Jessica and Jeremy Bell; stepdaughter, Wendy Baird; and siblings, their spouses and their children, including Cynthia Schmand-Philbrook, Ray Philbrook and Michaela Andrews; Vicki Schmand; Joshua, Sarah, Zach, Alex and Levi Harvey; Desiree, Jamie, Destiny and Trinity Martinez; Kathi, David and Genevieve Lewis; Sara, Kate, Alan, Brayden and Kaleb Willis; Greg, Sandy and Gabe Schmand; Cameron and Kathleen Schmand; and Naomi and Alicia Schmand. Rory is also survived by her best friend, Mary Thackery, whom she had known and remained close friends with since she first moved to Dover-Foxcroft as a teenager. She was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Judith Schmand; and nephew, Michael Lewis. We will all miss her amazing smile, optimism, positive outlook and her loving, comforting presence.
A celebration of life for Rory will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Central Hall, Dover-Foxcroft. The celebration is open to all who want to come and be amongst Rory’s friends and family. A notebook to write down your thoughts and memories about Rory will be available at the celebration, and anyone wishing to speak and share their memories may do so. Those who wish to offer something, such as flowers, cards, thoughts or a prepared dish may bring them to the celebration. She was a truly beautiful person, inside and out, who will be dearly missed. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at
www.laryfuneralhome.com.