VEAZIE – Margaret E. Van Aken, 97, died peacefully July 26, 2012. She was born March 14, 1915, in Veazie, daughter of Effie Hersey and Joseph Flame.
Margaret attended Bangor High School, and worked for Sweet’s Drug Store, Bangor, and Sweeney’s Restaurant, Veazie. She was recently presented with the Boston Post Cane for being the oldest living Veazie resident, and she lived all 97 years of her life in Veazie. Margaret was a long-standing member of Veazie Congregational Church, Veazie Garden Club and The Red Hat Society Valley Girls. Margaret was well known for her homemade apple and berry pies. She loved traveling and was ready at the drop of a hat.
Margaret is survived by her son, Clinton E. Van Aken and his wife, Janice; two daughters, Janice Tingley and her husband, Stan, and Sandra Wheeler and her husband, Manch; nine grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and one sister, Mary Hadley of Brewer Lake. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Clinton A. Van Aken, in 1982; one sister and one brother.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Veazie Congregational Church with the Rev. David Fox officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the church dining room after the service. Private interment will be at Fairview Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Margaret in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Veazie Congregational Church, 1404 State St., Veazie, ME 04401-7003. A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.