OAKFIELD – Geraldine “Gerry” Leighton Branscombe, 84, passed away Dec. 19, 2011, with her family by her side in Bangor. Gerry was born Feb. 8, 1927, in Houlton, daughter of Albert Leighton and Geneva (Fortier) McKinney.
For many years Gerry worked for Ivey’s Motel and J.C. Penney, Houlton. In her later years she enjoyed her home at Spaulding Lake watching the loons, feeding the ducks and socializing with her neighbors. Her hobbies included quilting, crocheting and working on puzzles – the more difficult the better. Her greatest joy was her 17 grandchildren and her 23 great-grandchildren.
Gerry is survived by her sons, David Grant and Mary of Houlton, William “Billy” Boulier and Bernadette of Dyer Brook and Mickey Boulier and Kimberly of Crystal; daughters, Sheila Tyrrell of Orono and Trudy Bates and her husband, Chris, of Merrill; stepchildren, Cindy Collier, Phillip Branscombe, both of Oakfield, and Robert Branscombe of Sarasota, Fla.; several nieces and nephews; and her special friends, Genie and Arthur Gove of New Limerick and Rita and Burpee Hilston of South Berwick. She was predeceased by her parents; husband, David P. Grant; beloved husband, Phillip Branscombe; daughter, Valerie Boulier and her father, Carl “Mickey” Boulier; sisters, Helen Bernier and Madeline “Mike” Ryan; brother, Albert Leighton; stepfather, Roland McKinney; and son-in-law, Stephen Tyrrell.
A celebration of her life will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls, with Deacon Al Burleigh officiating. A reception will be held noon Friday at Oakfield Snowmobile Club. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074-7134 or the charity of your choice. For an online memory book or to leave condolences, please visit
www.bowersfuneral.com.