McBreairty, Doris, 87, of Washburn, died September 7, 2007 at her residence. For online register please go to jimdorismcb@yahoo.com. Arrangements are by the Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
WASHBURN – After living a very full and happy life, Doris McBreairty, 87, beloved wife of James McBreairty, passed away peacefully September 7, 2007 at her residence in Washburn, surrounded by her loving family. Doris was born at Perham, March 2, 1920, the daughter of Harry and Leona (Roy) Dickinson. Doris and Jim were married April 30, 1937, at Doris’s parent’s home in Perham. During their 70 years together, they worked side-by-side and were faithful parents through thick and thin. Doris was an accomplished seamstress and over the years presented hand-made quilts to many of her family members. Both family and friends have also been the happy beneficiaries of her famous knit slippers, wool socks and bunnies. Doris was especially known for her exquisitely crocheted lace edgings that have been added to many special gifts. She was always a voracious reader and prided herself on reading at least 50 books a year. Doris and her husband played a key role in forming the first official Snowmobile club in the State of Maine and enjoyed many years of snowmobiling. She was a member of the Washburn Trailrunners Snowmobile Club and very much enjoyed the many friendships she established there. She and Jim were also avid motorcyclist during their later years and took many extended trips in both the U.S. and Canada with fellow riders. Doris was at Jim’s side during the years he spent in Augusta as a member of the House of Representatives and State Senate. She was known as one of the “Balcony Beauties” of the Legislature, a group of loyal wives who could always be found in the House balcony supporting their husbands as the performed their duties. Although never officially elected to a public office, Doris served many years as Notary Public and register of voters for the town of Perham. She was well known for her sweet personality and beautiful smile. Her quick wit and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her. Doris was a member of the Perham Friendship Club for 71 years and a member of the Perham Baptist Church. She accepted the Lord as her personal savior at age 11 and never wavered from her faith. In the summer of 2005 and at the ripe age of 84 and 90 years old respectively, Doris and Jim sold their “home farm” in Perham, where they spent the past 63 years. They moved into a home in Washburn where Doris announced she had officially retired from “public life”.
Doris is survived by her husband James McBreairty of Washburn, three daughters Noreen McIntosh of Washburn, Linda Seward and her husband George of Perham and Molly Stevens and her husband Patrick of Eddington; one son Marvin McBreairty and his wife Edwina of Brewer; two sisters Anita Tarr of Washburn and Amber Tarr of Lisbon; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. All of her family members are very proud of her and feel blessed to have had her as an inspiration over the years. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Marvin Dickinson and a grandson Danny Seward.
Funeral services were held 1:00pm, Monday, September 10, 2007 at the Perham Baptist Church, with the Rev. David Goupille, officiating. Interment took place in the Fairview Cemetery, Perham. The family has requested that memorial donations in Doris’s memory may be made to the Perham Baptist Church. Envelopes may be obtained through the funeral home. For online register please go to jimdorismcb@yahoo.com. Arrangements are by the Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
