Memorial Giving
We appreciate your desire to honor someone special with a memorial gift. For your convenience, those whose names are listed below have individual online memorial-giving pages set up. Follow the link to make your gift. If you prefer to send your gift by mail, please download
this Memorial Gift Form.
To set up memorial giving please visit the Memorial/Honorary Gifts page.
Gifts In Memory of
Margaret “Maggie” Mollison McIntosh
to support the
Donald & Margaret McIntosh Scholarship Fund
Obituary
In Loving Memory of Margaret Mae (Mollison) McIntosh
October 22, 1929 – July 1, 2023
Margaret Mae (Mollison) McIntosh, of York Harbor passed away on Saturday, July 1. Born on October 22, 1929 in Swanville, Maine she was the daughter of Scottish immigrants, Edwin and Catherine Hamilton Mollison, who owned and operated the Oak Hill Granite Quarry. Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and public servant, Margaret was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Donald Waldron McIntosh in 1999. They were married on July 20, 1963 during a total solar eclipse in Bangor, Maine. She was also predeceased by her brother, James Watt Mollison, in 1999. She is survived by her daughter,
Meredith McIntosh Murphy, son-in-law Thomas Patrick Murphy and two grandsons, William James Lewis and Logan Patrick Murphy, all of Wellesley, MA.
Margaret was a first generation college graduate, earning a BA degree in Economics in 1950 and a Masters degree in Education in 1952, both from the University of Maine. Margaret continued to be a champion of “land-grant schools” and education in general, working for the University of Maine Alumnae Association from 1953 to 1963 and teaching for various public secondary schools. Margaret was appointed to the Maine State Board of Education by Maine Governor Curtis in 1968 and she served on the York School District for 14 years including building the new York High School in 1977.
Margaret was a pioneer before her time and most of all enjoyed being engaged in financial and political endeavors. For those that spent time with her, she would most enjoy a conversation about the local or world political scene. She was a longtime member of the Republican Committee and an active participant in town and state politics. She was a devoted public servant, serving on many local town committees including the York Public Library, York Art Association, and the York Historical Society. Margaret was elected as the Town of York Treasurer, commencing in 1990 and was re-elected 9 more times. Margaret served in this role for 28 years and was 87 at the time of her last election. At the age of 88 Margaret resigned from the role as a result of physical limitations of her ability to get to the town offices. Margaret was well-known for her financial acumen in this role, ensuring she was a fiduciary steward of the town coffers.
Margaret over the years has also served in leadership roles in various organizations such as President of her sorority chapter of Tri Delta. She was President of her University of Maine class of 1950 and was elected President Emeritus as well. Margaret was a recipient of the University Of Maine’s Golden “M” Award. This award is voted on by classmates at the 50th Reunion, and is presented to a member of the 50th reunion class for outstanding class service and/or class leadership since graduation. Most recently Margaret was elected as the resident council representative at Durgin Pines, her home for the past 3 years.
A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at 1pm at the First Parish Church, 180 York Street, York, Maine 03909. All are invited to a reception immediately following at the York Harbor Reading Room, 491 York Street, York Harbor, Maine 03911.
Gifts in memory of Margaret McIntosh may be made payable to the University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792, for the Donald & Margaret McIntosh Scholarship Fund.
Gifts In Memory of
Bradford “Brad” Claxton
to support the
UMaine Alumni Association
Obituary
Bradford Wayne Claxton
September 26 1934 – April 9, 2023
Bradford (Brad) Wayne Claxton passed away peacefully on April 9th at his Carmel home surrounded by his adoring family. Brad was born September 26th, 1934, in Teaneck, New Jersey to the late John and Alice (Calvin) Claxton. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1956 where he met the love of his life Patricia Gillette Claxton, they were married for 63 years.
Brad received his master’s degree from Temple University and had an illustrious career in Association Management highlighted by 25 years as Executive Director of the American Academy of Dermatology. He received numerous accolades including being elected President of PCMA, ASAE and CSAE. Even though he was extremely accomplished in his professional career his family always came first, he will be dearly missed.
Brad was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia and his brother Bruce. Brad is survived by his children, Karen (Kelly) Hindman, Brian (Gladys) Claxton, Brad (Veronica) Claxton and Cynthia (Chris) Stump; grandchildren Kyle (Mary), Allie (Alfredo), Patricia, Andrea, Matthew, Brad III, Kaila, C.J. (Maggie) and Corinne; great grandchildren Terrance and Aaliyah; sisters-in-law Marilyn Claxton and Joan Totton; brother-in law Gene Gillette.
Thank you to his beloved caregiver Jenny Hughes, Vania with Paradigm Hospice and the caring staff at Senior 1 Care who helped him leave this earth on his terms with dignity and courage.
Family and friends are invited to gather Friday April 14th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Flanner Buchanan- Carmel, where the funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday April 15th.
Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Maine. Please visit www.flannerbuchanan.com to sign the online guest register.
Gifts In Memory of
Janice Pelletier, M.D.
to support the
Raymond A. Pelletier and Janice Pelletier, M.D. Memorial Fund
Obituary
Janice Pelletier, M.D.
May 15 1957 – October 23, 2022
Janice L. Pelletier M.D., 65, passed away on October 23, 2022, surrounded by loved ones at her home.
Jan was born on May 15, 1957, the second of six children of Raymond A. Pelletier and Jeanne I. (Poulin) Pelletier of Winslow. In 1983 she married Dr. Leonard J. Kass, together with whom she raised two children, Nigel and Eleanore (Elea) Kass. Jan and Len were partners in every sense, having shared a loving marriage and family life; having lived together in multiple states and countries; and having collaborated professionally on research, teaching, and other work, numerous written articles, and a host of academic publications. They enjoyed international travel and experiences in various cultures. Jan was always generous with family, friends, and acquaintances. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Jan lit up the lives of all who knew her.
Jan attended Winslow High School, class of 1975, and Harvard University, class of 1979, with a degree in psychology. Jan was accomplished both as an athlete and a scholar, and also pursued a wide range of other interests. In high school she engaged in field hockey, track, gymnastics, band, and cheerleading (some in the same season), and at Harvard she participated in the crew team and played soccer (again in the same season). At Harvard Jan was particularly proud to be one of the “originals” who worked from 1975-76 to transform women’s soccer from a club sport into Harvard University’s first Varsity Women’s Soccer Team. The team won the Women’s Soccer Ivy League Championship in 1978, a mere two years after Jan helped transform it from club status. Jan was a Harvard Class Marshall, a two-year Harvard varsity letter winner in soccer, and a winner of the Catherine Innes Ireland Fellowship, granted to students “strong in academics and extracurriculars.”
After Harvard Jan attended the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NYC, graduating in 1984. She completed her medical residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and her fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. She was a clinical professor at Tufts, the University of Vermont, and the University of New England, and an ad hoc professor at the University of Maine. She was a prolific writer and contributor to medical research, having authored, co-authored or otherwise contributed to more than twenty grants and fifty publications. Jan’s resume, spanning a full eleven pages, evidences the tremendous breadth and scope of her professional career.
Despite these many accomplishments, Jan would like to be most remembered for her more than forty years of service in Maine as a pediatrician and as a member of the Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. As its president she came to national prominence, accepting positions at the district and national levels. Jan was a social activist, having provided testimony in twenty-five legislative cases and having written twenty-two editorials, all towards improving the health and well-being of children. In 2017 she was honored with the “Giraffe Award” from the Maine Children’s Alliance, for unsung community heroes who go above and beyond their job descriptions to “stick out their necks” for Maine children, youth, and families. Jan was a healer, an advocate, and a builder of lasting works for the benefit of others. She freely gave her time to her family, friends, and various communities and causes.
Jan is survived by her husband of 39 years, Dr. Leonard Kass of Orono; her two children, Nigel Kass of Anaheim, CA, and Eleanore Kass of Austin, TX; her brother, Ronald Pelletier and wife, Ning Sawangjaeng, of Lincolnville; her sister, Karen Pelletier and partner, Anu Makynen, of Portland; her brother, Mark Pelletier and wife, Leslie King Pelletier, of Winslow; her brother, Dominic Pelletier and wife, Beth Audet Pelletier, of Raymond; her brother, Jeffrey Pelletier and wife, Lilly Ampai Chiu Pelletier, of Carlsbad, CA; and her father’s partner and fiancée of thirty years, Martha (Grindall) Audet of Winslow. On Jan’s husband’s side of the family she is survived by seven sisters- and brothers-in-law: Marjorie (Kass) Martens and husband John Martens of Rock Island, IL; William Kass and wife Patricia Robertson of Awendaw, SC; Richard Kass and wife Cheryl (Brockman) Kass of Bastrop, TX; Donald Kass of Wilmington, NC; David Kass and wife Cynthia (Rossi) Kass of Downers Grove, IL; Dean Kass of Chippewa Falls, WI; James Kass of Branson, MO. Jan is also survived by forty-three nieces and nephews, as well as their partners and children.
Janice was predeceased by her parents, Raymond A. Pelletier and Jeanne (Poulin) Pelletier; her father- and mother-in-law, Adolph and Eleanore (Klein) Kass; and her sisters-in-law, Nancy (Willey) Pelletier, Ingrid (Renken) Kass, Eileen Kass, and Patricia (Fitzgerald) Kass.
Jan loved spending cherished moments with family and friends, entertaining colleagues during her numerous professional presentations, and making all around her smile and enjoy life. Jan was a born pediatrician as she adored caring for young children. As a physician her clinical skills were unparalleled, combining medicine with true empathy and love.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Janice Pelletier can be made to her memroial fund at our.umaine.edu/pelletier. Notice of a remembrance of life event (date TBD) honoring Jan will also be posted on the CaringBridge site and on other social media in the near future.
Gifts In Memory of
William “Bill” Munsey
to support the
Bill and Helen Munsey Scholarship Fund
Obituary
William John “Bill” Munsey
October 16 1936 – December 12 2022
Bangor – William John “Bill” Munsey passed away December 12, 2022 after a long and productive life. He was born on October 16, 1936 in New Bedford, MA to Frances Edward Munsey and Ruth Constance (McMeehan) Munsey.
Bill graduated from Coburn Classical Institute in 1955 and the University of Maine, Class of 1960, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Higher Education from Boston University in 1964. Upon graduating from B.U. he went to work in the Admissions Office at SUNY New Paltz as an admissions counselor which began his 50 year career in University Admissions.
Bill met the love of his life, Helen Wallace at the University of Maine where they were both students. They were married in Orono in 1962 and enjoyed 51 years of marriage before her passing in 2013. Bill and Helen have two children Julia and Stephen.
Bill and Helen moved back to Maine in the fall of 1965 when he was named Director of Admissions at Gorham State College, later University of Maine Portland-Gorham, and now the University of Southern Maine. In 1980 he was named Director of Admissions at the University of Maine where he remained until the fall of 2014. Bill was a passionate believer in giving young people the opportunity to be all that they could be. He loved meeting students and families and helping them explore the opportunities that higher education could offer them. In announcing Bill’s departure from the University of Southern Maine in 1980, then President Bob Woodbury selected the word integrity to describe Bill.
During his 50-year career in college admissions, Bill participated in and led many organizations and committees committed to higher education excellence. Some of those include the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, New England Association of College Admissions Counselors, New England Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers, College Board, New England
Association Schools and Colleges, and Maine State Principals Association. In 1990 Bill was awarded the Harry R. Carroll Distinguished Service Award from the New England Association of College Admissions Counselors. This award recognizes outstanding contributions, achievements and dedication to academic excellence, fair and impartial work on behalf of students, and a commitment to the ethical standards of the admissions profession. As one young admissions professional stated after meeting him, “Bill Munsey, he’s a legend.”
Bill was an active community volunteer and leader. He served on the Board of Directors for the Maine State YMCA Camp for 50 years, as well as the Old Town Orono YMCA, and Greater Portland YMCA. He served on the Board of Directors for the Frenchman Bay Conservancy in Hancock where he and Helen had a summer home for 30 years. As a passionate UMaine Alum, he was awarded the 2010 Black Bear Award by the UMaine Alumni Association for his devotion and loyalty to the high traditions of the University of Maine.
Bill was smart, funny, thoughtful, and gracious and always had a twinkle in his eye. He was known for his firm handshake and great smile. He loved music, theater, art, sports, and the outdoors. But above all else he was a loving husband, father, colleague, and community member. He believed that everyone could make a difference in the world and he used his life to do just that. His favorite saying, and he had many, was “The best use of your life is to so live your life, that the use of your life outlives your life.” There is no doubt that he achieved that.
Bill is survived by his daughter Julia Munsey and husband John Dougherty of Bangor and his son Stephen Munsey and partner Jill Irish of Salt Lake City, Utah. Also surviving him is his sister Connie Ann Wright, sisters in law Pat Wallace, Gerry Williams and husband Bob Williams, and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Special thanks to the team at the Sylvia Ross Home for their friendship,care, and compassion Bill received during his time there, as well as the team at EMMC for their care.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Tuesday, December 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Buchanan Alumni House, University of Maine, 160 College Ave., Orono, Maine. A reception will immediately follow the service. Those wishing to remember Bill, and continue his legacy of giving, may make a gift in his memory to the University of Maine Foundation, Bill and Helen Munsey Scholarship Fund.
Gifts In Memory of
Cathy Dearborn Raymond
to support the
Class of 1970 Fund
Obituary
Cathy Dearborn Raymond
July 8 1948 – November 7, 2022
Cathy A. (Dearborn) Raymond passed away on Monday, November 7, 2022, at Oak Grove Center, Waterville. Cathy was born on July 8, 1948, in Waterville, ME, the daughter of Everett M. and Juanita F. (Boudreau) Dearborn. She graduated from Lawrence High School, class of 1966 and also was a graduate of the University of Maine with a B.S. in Education from the class of 1970. She then worked for Dr.Loring Pratt and Dr. William Chasse for 32 years and rounded out her working years with Dr.David Preston at Mid Maine Internal Medicine for 10 years until she retired.
Cathy loved reading and education. She served as the Vice President of the class of 1970. She was also the president of the St. John Catholic School board for a period of time. She was nicknamed Craft for her love of exploring creative hobbies including writing, calligraphy, candy making, and cake decorating.
She never had a bad word to say about others and always found the good in people. She was once asked who her hero was and she responded by saying “Kind, loving, gentle people. They make our world a better place.” She didn’t realize she was describing herself. Cathy made countless friends throughout her life, and became a “second mom” to many, sharing hugs, food, and her infectious laughter with all of those she cherished.
She was predeceased by her brother, Michael E. Dearborn, as well as her mother and father. Cathy is survived by her loving husband, Lewis D. Raymond, of Winslow; her daughter Aerin E. (Raymond) Paulo and her husband Andrew; step sons, Philip M. Raymond, and his wife, Lesley, and Scott T. Raymond and his wife, Anne; grandson Samuel E. Paulo; step-grandchildren, Eris (Cameron) Raymond and James Raymond; and several nieces. She will also be sadly missed by life-long friends Alan and Linnea Hallee, Ralph and Charlotte Jacques, and Kevin and Helen (Sues) McArdle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., on Monday, November 21 at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, Maine 04901. Burial will be held in the Saint Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville, Maine, 04901. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Class of 1970 scholarship fund at the University of Maine Foundation (our.umaine.edu/cathyraymond) in Cathy’s memory.
Gifts In Memory of
Marie-Claire Dubé
to support the
School of Nursing Students
Obituary
Marie-Claire Dubé
September 12, 1940 – October 1, 2022
Marie-Claire Dubé passed away peacefully at home with her husband by her side on October 1, 2022, after a long illness. Like her father and her mother before her, she waited until October to go to her rest, in the fall when nature goes to sleep amidst the vibrant fall colors she dearly loved. Marie-Claire was born on a small family farm in Clair, NB, Canada on September 12, 1940, to Antonio and Marie (Losier) Lang. She attended elementary school in Clair and graduated from the regional high school in St. Francis in 1958. After high school, she enrolled in the nursing program at the Hotel-Dieu Hospital in Edmundston and received her nursing degree in 1961 after completing additional training at the St. Michael-Archangel Hospital in Quebec City. She began her career as a registered nurse in Edmundston.
Marie-Claire met her future husband Gerry on a chance meeting during a nursing school fundraising ‘tag’ day. They were married in Clair, NB on September 7, 1963, and moved to Orono, ME where Gerry was pursuing post-graduate studies. Marie-Claire was very proud of her Canadian roots and particularly of her French-Canadian heritage; she was also honored to become a naturalized US citizen later in her life.
After moving to Orono, Marie-Claire worked at Eastern Maine Medical Center for a year but took an extended leave from nursing to raise her four children. When her children were older, she enrolled in a refresher nursing course offered by St Joseph Hospital and renewed her RN certification in Maine. After working briefly at St Joseph Hospital, she accepted a full-time position at EMMC where she worked for 16 years in the OB/GYN department. She served as a preceptor to young nurses and especially enjoyed caring for new moms and newborns, often referring to Grant 7 at EMMC as the ‘happy’ floor. She retired from nursing in 1997 but continued doing volunteer work for 10 years as a Eucharistic minister for the home bound and at the hospital, a ministry she truly loved. Both as a full-time nurse and as a volunteer, she enjoyed speaking French with many patients from French-speaking communities.
In addition to her work, Marie-Claire was totally dedicated to her family and participated in all her children’s school and recreational activities. In later years when career choices dispersed her children across the country, she travelled to visit each one as often as possible. In fact, she managed to take a few weeks off from work to help each one at the birth of seven of her eight grandchildren. As the grandchildren grew up, she thoroughly enjoyed yearly family reunions on Cape Cod and Mount Desert Island.
Marie-Claire loved to travel and took advantage of visits with her scattered family as stopping points to many scenic locations across the US and Canada. She was very adventurous and willing to try new things, including zip lining over the rain forests in Costa Rica and parasailing over the Pacific coast when she was 70 years old. She will be sorely missed but fondly remembered on future family gatherings.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Marie-Claire Dubeˊ may be made to the School of Nursing for student support at the University of Maine at umainefoundation.org/memorial or at our.umaine.edu/dube
Checks may be mailed to Gift Processing, Marie-Claire Dubeˊ Memorial Gift, UMaine Foundation, 2 Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469
Gifts In Memory of
Gerald G. Work
to support the
Gerald G. Work Scholarship Fund
Obituary
Gerald G. Work passed at home in Pennsylvania, on his 88th birthday, June 4, 2022, surrounded by family.
Dr. Work was born in Reading and graduated from Reading High School, class of 1952. He received his BA from Albright College in 1960 after serving in the United States Navy. His educational pursuits continued at Ohio University where he obtained an MS and a PhD in Counseling and Higher Education. Upon graduation he became a professor at the University of Maine where he taught and mentored students for his entire career. While there he was instrumental in forming the Associated Faculties of the University of Maine and served as its President. He also helped found and administer the Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship fund.
He married his first wife, Barbara Swartz, in 1955, having met her in middle school in Reading, Pennsylvania. They were married for 49 years until her death in 2004. Together they contributed to many educational programs in the State of Maine. In 2007 Dr. Work and his long-time friend of 37 years, Patricia Muro, embarked on a second marriage.
In addition to his wife, Patricia, he is survived by his son, Dr. Brian Work and his daughter, Amy Work. He also leaves behind two stepsons and four step-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions to the Gerald G. Work Scholarship Fund can be made payable to the University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792 or online at our.umaine.edu/work.
Gifts In Memory of
William “Bill” Joseph Sullivan
to support the
William J. Sullivan Equity Scholarship
Obituary
“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.”
Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address
The William J. Sullivan Equity Scholarship has been created in memoriam at the University of Maine Foundation to foster students from Maine in their educational journey. This scholarship is dedicated to the values Bill Sullivan lived by and upheld. Recipients will be those who have demonstrated a need and expressed an interest in civic learning, engagement, and service.
Born in Boston, Bill came from an immigrant family in Fall River, MA. He was a first-generation college student, and he stayed humble to his roots even after he achieved career success. Bill’s daily practice of civility, compassion, work ethic, and commitment to family, community and country allowed him to touch many lives in a genuine and impactful way.
This above all: To thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not be false to any man.
William Shakespeare, Hamlet
Teaching and learning were central to Bill’s value system. His love of learning was infectious; he believed education could transform individual lives. His world view and experiences were vast, yet Bill could always meet a person exactly where they were in life and see them for their unique talents. He stayed open to new ideas, he lifted others up as he stayed true to his values.
Being an engaged citizen was Bill’s civic duty. He had a love and appreciation for history and the arts. He believed freedom of the press central to a healthy democracy. He was committed to supporting libraries, museums and public universities. Bill believed public education, access, equity and democracy to be inextricably linked.
Bill was passionate about the political process; he believed that voting rights to be a privilege and a responsibility. Bill had Maine pride. He often said, “As Maine goes, so goes the Nation.”
He was very involved in local politics. According to a director of the Bangor Public Library, on Meet the Candidates Night at city hall, Bill would be right in the center, welcoming everyone.
When his family heard that he had once met President Kennedy, one of his children asked him “why?” He responded, “Because he was my senator and I wanted to speak with him.”
This scholarship honors Bill Sullivan’s commitment to equity and opportunity through education. Preference will be given to individuals from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented at the University of Maine which includes racial/ethnic minorities, first-generation college students, and nontraditional students. We welcome your participation in making the William J. Sullivan Equity Scholarship a lasting legacy to improve the lives of future students and the citizens of Maine.
Gifts In Memory of
Jerry Ellis
to support the
Jerry Ellis Scholarship
Obituary
Jerry Ellis was born on December 5, 1941 in Farmington, Maine. He died May 9, 2022 in Wesley Chapel, Florida with Ronnie, his beloved wife of 45 years by his side.
He faced various challenges in his childhood which led him in his adolescence to running which became a passion and refuge. An accomplished athlete at both Phillips High School and the University of Maine, he won various competitions at the state and New England level in cross country and track. His love of athletics continued throughout his life culminating in riding his road bike from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean and from Canada to Mexico (the latter with his youngest son, Lucas, daughter-in-law, Amy, and wife, Ronnie). In addition to biking, Jerry completed three marathons including qualifying and running the Boston Marathon. His brotherhood in Phi ETA Kappa brought lifelong friendships as did his involvement in the University of Maine M Club. Jerry was inducted into the University of Maine’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.
As a young man he walked in protest for civil rights in Selma, Alabama (1965) and later served in Vietnam vowing to serve his country but in his own way in peaceful service. He was awarded two Bronze Stars for meritorious service while serving as a US Army Captain. His service was as an American advisor to a South Vietnamese unit during its Hearts and Minds campaign.
He found his vocation in counseling and eventually returned home to Maine. By this time he had completed his under-graduate degree at UMaine, a Master in Divinity at Boston University and a Master’s degree from the University of Oregon in Counseling. Professionally he worked at UMaine in the Onward Program dedicating his time, energy and love to helping non-traditional students get a college education. Many will remember him for his unwavering kindness and compassion for his students and coworkers.He embodied servant leadership being selected to run Onward as Director at UMaine but was also recognized in New England when he was selected to preside over NEAOPP (an organization focused on support for non-traditional and first generation students). His compassion and leadership will be remembered by many through different aspects of his career but remembered by his son, Nick, during the annual Onward orientation for leaving no one behind during the annual hike of Mount Katahdin. He guided many through treacherous terrain getting them home safely late into the night.
Other favorite pastimes in his life included gardening (master gardening credentialed), reading, traveling, meditation, working with Habitat for Humanity and helping with construction of the Orono Bog Boardwalk. Throughout his life, Jerry gave a helping hand to many people during their most difficult times always with kind, patient, loving support.
If athletics was his refuge and service his profession, his family was his greatest love. He leaves behind his wife, Ronnie (Delano-Ellis), daughter Christine Ann Ellis McLaughlin (mother: Ann Perkins Ellis), two sons Nicolas Gerald Ellis and his wife Angie of Lima, Peru and Lucas Delano Ellis and his wife Amy of Corvallis, Oregon and grandchildren, Maeve Christine McLaughlin, Patrick Matthew McLaughlin, Tomas Santiago Ellis, Benjamin Lester Ellis, Brianna Delano Ellis and little Luca Joaquin Ellis. Jerry is also survived by brother Fred E. Rolfe, Jr. and his wife Noralyn of Bradford, Maine, sister-in-law, Renee Rae Delano of Orrington, Maine, sister-in-law Lauralee Ellis of Nashua, NH, brother-in-law David Morgan of Phillips, Maine and aunt Greta Pratt of Weld, Maine. There are several nieces and nephews who he loved dearly and followed their lives with passion.
Jerry was predeceased by five younger siblings, Rex Scott Ellis, Lynn “Butch” Ellis, Anita Chase Dunham, Nancy Lee Ellis Morgan and Elizabeth “Snip” Rolfe.
Over the years he had numerous riding buddies who biked hard and long. He respected these riders and will be missed by his Florida riding mate of over 10 years, Alan Gosley (wife Karen) of Cow Bay, Nova Scotia.
Adored by many, one student in particular started a scholarship in his name, the Jerry Ellis Scholarship Fund. In life he supported this fund and in his passing his family asks you to consider support of this scholarship so that the spirit of Jerry will live on helping students on their path at UMaine. Gifts may be made to the University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, Maine 04469-5792 or online at umainefoundation.org/memorial for the Jerry Ellis Scholarship.His family welcomes others to join them in a celebration of his life on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 101 East Broadway, Bangor, Maine at 2 pm.