SCARBOROUGH – Sonia Weymouth Emery peacefully passed away Sept. 5, 2012, in the loving presence of family. She was born Jan. 25, 1920, in Dover-Foxcroft, the third of five children to Robert and Annie Shannon Weymouth.
Her cherished childhood memories of growing up in Dover-Foxcroft were cultivated and shared with Martha Green Rollins, who remains as her very best friend for more than 90 years. Always curious about the world around her, others became involved in sharing her wonder and learning experience. Whether a rock, a shell, a flower, a cloud formation, a sunset or a celestial object, her enthusiasm for learning continually challenged others to also discover what?, how?, why?, etc. Winters in Florida with her husband, Donald, where they cheered on their favorite Red Sox play. Her “Red Sox” and her “Boys of Fenway” were like family. She enjoyed searching for answers to any question or discussion by referring to her vast library of Sox material gathered throughout the years. When health issues interfered and she could no longer watch a game, she would light up when told details of a particular play or a win, albeit rare this 2012 season. A 1938 graduate of Foxcroft Academy and a 1942 graduate of Eastern Maine General School of Nursing, she worked at Mayo Hospital, Dover-Foxcroft, until entering Army Nursing Corps during World War II. She was very proud and pleased to have been recently honored as one of the oldest female veterans in Maine. Upon discharge her nursing career continued at Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary, Portland, and continued after it merged with Maine General Hospital. She loved being a nurse. In fact, many know her only by the nickname “Sunny,” which she was given by co-workers because of her cheerful disposition. Retiring after 29 years from Maine Medical Center she remained an active member of Maine Eye and Ear Nurses Alumni Association.
She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Donald L. Emery; son, Franklin, in 2010; sister, Phyllis Dean; and brothers, Michael, Robert and John. She is survived by her daughter, Christine “Tris” Tirol of Dunedin, Fla.; son, James Emery and wife, Gayle, and grandson, Seth, of Scarborough; son, Raymond Emery and wife, Marie of Durham; and daughter, Patricia Emery of Scarborough, who all have so many wonderful memories to share with her nieces and nephews and cousins, as well as Sonia’s friends in remembering the woman who not only gave them life, but enriched the lives of so many. Her children thank everyone who made her life more special by sharing time in making memories she cherished. Daughter, Patricia, also a nurse, moved back to the family home 12 years ago to care for Sonia when her living alone was no longer feasible. Family members and friends cannot begin to express their appreciation for the unselfish and excellent care she lovingly gave which enabled Mom to remain home until these past three weeks when she was then put primarily in the care of the incredible and kind staff of friends who watched over her at Cedar’s Nursing Home, Portland. The family wishes to express appreciation to long time neighbors for their many acts of kindness, sharing and laughter. You became her extended “family.” Sonia expressed a wish to thank the caregivers and staff from Elder Independence of Maine and Home Care of Maine, with special appreciation and recognition to her daughter-in-law, Gayle, who was her “caring”-giver for these last few years.
A special time of remembrance will be held 1-4 p.m. Sept. 29 at 18 Church St., Scarborough, for those who wish to share memories. Donations may be sent in Sonia’s memory to The Southern Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary Nursing Scholarship Program, SMCC Foundation, Southern ME Community College, 2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME 04106.
Sonia Weymouth Emery
