BANGOR – I’ve had a really good life. My parents, Willard and Minnie (Orr) Ranks provided us with a happy, loving and harmonious home. My parents loved having a large family and having our friends gather. We had great times traveling to many locations throughout Maine, including picnicking at Fort Knox and clamming at Sears Island.
My father was an engineer on the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. I was the second child of five and was born in Oakfield. My brothers, Carleton and Wellington “Sonny,” and sisters, Lydia and Jane, all passed on before me.
I attended the Maine School of Commerce (predecessor of Husson College) in 1944. Over the next several years I worked in Washington and Boston before returning to Bangor, where I worked for the Dead River Company. In 1972 I volunteered for Bill Cohen’s first congressional campaign. When he won the seat, I became his Bangor District Office Manager. I worked with him until I retired in 1988.
I married William Robert MacDermott and we had one son, William James “Bill.” My husband died in 1976 after 23 happy years of marriage.
My son, Bill, and my dear daughter-in-law, Janelle, married in 1985 in New Orleans, later relocating to Maine to raise their family. Spending time with the grandchildren, Drew, Erin and Kate, brought me much joy. They, in addition to many special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, have been the light and delight of my life.
Since retirement, I have been very much involved with my church, of which I have been a life-long member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Bangor. Church has always been the backbone and structure of my life.
Like the little boy who was asked, “Who would you most like to be?” I would answer, “Me.”
Jacqueline Ranks MacDermott passed away peacefully in her home on Sept. 2, 2013, with her family by her side.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Bangor. Those who wish to remember Jacque in a special way may make gifts in her memory to First Church of Christ, Scientist, 939 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401; or to Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St., Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
Jacque Macdermott
