Doris Perry Andrews

ANDREWS, Doris Perry, 90, PRESQUE ISLE, at Scarborough, ME, Jan. 31, 2013. A service will be held at the Presque Isle Congregational Church at 1 p.m., Sun., Feb. 10. Arrangements in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Presque Isle.

     PRESQUE ISLE – Doris Perry Andrews, 90, passed away on January 31, 2013, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, ME. She was born in Presque Isle in 1923 to George W. and Mary (Hilton) Perry.
    She was a much loved older sister to her brother, Arthur. Her childhood memories of growing up in Presque Isle were magical. She often talked about the days when her dad would get the old sleigh out of the barn on a cold winter’s day, cover her and Arthur with heavy wool blankets, and ride over the snowy fields.
    Doris graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1939, and attended Presque Isle Normal School for three years before spending a year at Boston University, where she received her B.S. in Education. She thoroughly enjoyed her time in Boston, going to plays and out to dinner in the “big city.” But for Doris, there was no place like home. She soon headed back to Presque Isle to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher.
    In July of 1944, Doris married Robert D. “Andy” Andrews. Andy was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois. During World War II, he was stationed at the Presque Isle Air Base and fell in love with the County and with a young teacher named Doris Perry. Doris and Andy settled into a happy life there. Doris taught at the Cunningham Middle School for many years and also taught piano lessons at home. She loved knitting, writing, playing the piano, cooking, bridge and spending time with her dear friends.
    In 1951, Doris and Andy joyfully welcomed their first child, Mary Jo. Nine years later, the incomparable Sara arrived. Doris’ daughters were the lights of her life. Doris often talked about Mary Jo’s kindness and sensitivity. And she rarely mentioned Sara’s name without a big smile on her face. She and Andy suffered an unimaginable loss when both of their beloved girls died—Mary Jo at twenty-six and Sara at age thirty-three—of a rare liver disease.
    Doris was devoted to her loving niece, Sandy Perry. Sandy was a constant comfort to Doris, especially in her later years.
    Doris’ favorite times were when friends and relatives gathered at the old family homestead on State Street for holiday celebrations. Doris told stories about her mom and dad cheerfully opening their home to anyone who wanted some company over the holidays.
    Doris was a wonderful mother, a devoted wife, and a great friend to many. She spent countless hours working and volunteering at the Presque Isle Congregational Church alongside her dear friend, Rev. Dr. Robert Grove-Markwood. Over the years, she taught Sunday school, she was a member of the hand bell choir and occasionally played the organ.
    Doris is survived by her nieces, Sandy Perry of Presque Isle, Susan Ferland of Brewer, and Laurie Gray of Dexter; her son-in-law, Jim Boutin, and his wife, Susan of Hollis; and a number of great- nieces and nephews and their children.
    A service will be held at the Presque Isle Congregational Church at 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 10. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Church’s Memorial Fund. P.O. Box 1797, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.