Mae Dora McLellan

McLellan, Mae D., 95, May 7, 2008.  Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home, Houlton.  Interment was held in the Sherman Mills.
    SHERMAN STATION and GORHAM – Mae Dora McLellan, 95, passed away peacefully May 7, 2008, at her home at the Gorham House, just a few days short of her 96th birthday. She was born on May 26, 1912, to James and Mina Garrity in Lac Baker, New Brunswick, Canada. Mae had fond memories of her childhood and life on the farm on the shores of Lac Baker.  When she was an early teen, her family moved to Portage Lake, Maine.
    Mae graduated from business college in Fredericton, New Brunswick. As a professional bookkeeper, she returned to Portage Lake and took a position with the local lumber company there. Soon after she was offered a similar position with The Sherman Lumber Company in Sherman Station, it was there that she met Delmont McLellan. They were married in November 1931, made their home in Sherman Station and had two children, Bertrand James and Mary Della. After the children came along, Mae continued her role of devoted homemaker. She also was a skilled seamstres and her needle work was exceptional.  She enjoyed many other crafts as well and was usually very busy with projects at home, in the community, and the local school programs. Mae enjoyed gardening as well, and was always very  busy canning and cooking. Her wonderful bread and cookies were famous and were always some of the first to be sold at local bake sales.
    Among other things, Mae organized a Girl Scout Troop, and was the leader for three years. In 1947 Mae opened a Dry Goods Store in Sherman Station, a successful venture that she continued to operate until she sold it in the early 50's. In the meantime, her husband, opened a men and boys clothing store in nearby Patten.
    After selling her store, Mae worked part time for her husband at the Patten store.  When Delmont passed away in 1966, Mae ran the Patten Store until she sold it to Dean McKinney of Patten a short time later. Not content to retire, Mae accepted an office position with her former employer, The Sherman Lumber Company, and worked there well into her 70's. Even though French was her only childhood language, Mae spoke fluent and perfect English, and on many occasions in her life, both at home and in business, she used her bilingual skills in many helpful ways, much to the delight and appreciation of everyone. In 1987, Mae moved to a new home in Windham where she continued to find pleasure in gardening, visiting with family, and baking her special treats for everyone. In 2002 Mae moved to an assisted living apartment at the Gorham House in Gorham, Maine. Her friends, neighbors and staff, there will miss her very much.
    She is survived by her children and their spouses, Bertrand James McLellan and his wife, Carole of Delray Beach, Florida and Naples; Mary Della Netz and her husband Alan of Thompson Falls, Montana; seven grandchildren; twelve great- grandchildren; four great-great- grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Garrison of Houlton; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings: Stella, Pearl, James, Theresa (Tess), Lawrence, and Patrick.
    Friends called 2 – 3 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2008, at Bowers Funeral Home, Sherman Street, Island Falls where funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Interment will be in the Sherman Mills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice, c/o Bowers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 579, Houlton, ME 04730.