Evelyn (Harmon) Pressey

PORTLAND â€“ Evelyn Harmon Pressey, 99, passed away on May 3, 2014, surrounded by her family, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, after a long and productive life. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Pressey, and their beloved daughter, Sylvia Morrell. Evelyn was born on January 14, 1915 in Limington, Maine, the daughter of Rosalind Griffiths Harmon and Dana Harmon. Educated in Limington and Gorham schools, Evelyn proudly earned her R.N. degree from Maine General Hospital in Portland and worked at the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary until her marriage to Charles and starting a family. When Evelynâ€™s mother died, leaving children as young as three years old, Evelyn left school to raise them while her older brother and father worked, returning to school later when the children were older. Crocheting, sewing, knitting and tatting were just some of the crafts in which Evelyn excelled. Always one who rose to the occasion when the church or organization needed a dish for a pot luck supper or someone to step in to fill an office, she quickly volunteered. Prolific in sending out get well cards or a nicely written note, Evelyn never missed an opportunity to let people know she cared. An avid reader, Evelyn belonged to several book clubs and received numerous magazines, but her favorite book was the Bible which she read daily and which had to be rebound due to its frequent use. Some of Evelynâ€™s other favorite things were early good times with Charles and an informal couples group, many from Freeport; summer Sundays after church spent at her daughter and husbandâ€™s camp on Pettengill Pond in Windham with friends and relatives; hosting family holiday get-togethers at her home and insisting on doing all the preparation and cooking up until age 94; her pet dog; roses, and enjoying a good lobster roll. Evelyn was very active in many social service organizations. She loved being a member of the Deering Grange #535, Order of Eastern Star and others too numerous to list here for risk of leaving one out. She loved and enjoyed being of service to each and every one. Nana, as known by her grandchildren, was an inspiration to all around her. A quiet, unassuming woman always ready to do for others, she will live in the hearts and memories of those who knew her. Evelyn is survived by two children, Charles, Jr. and his wife, Lenoram and Loraine Butler and her husband, Hugh, Jr., all of Portland; six grandchildren, Mark Lufkin and his wife, Dorna of Standish, Scott Lufkin of Hollis Center, Hugh (Skip) Butler III of Windham, David Butler of Gray, Katherine (Kait) Pressey and her husband, Ben Kidson of Portland, and Michael Pressey of Portland. She is also survived by four grandchildren; MacKenzie and Ryan Butler and Gabriel and Lillian (Lily) Kidson. Evelyn leaves behind many close friends from throughout her life, and a very special friend, Jennie Profenno of Freeport. The family would like to thank the staff at Seaside Nursing & Retirement Home for their wonderful care and attention to Evelyn these past three years, and to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for their comfort and support in her final days. Memorial visiting hours will be held on Monday, May 5 at Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church Street, Westbrook from 5-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 6 at Blais & Hay, Pastor Mark Kuntz officiating, with burial afterward at Woodlawn Cemetery, 380 Stroudwater Street, Westbrook. To express condolences and memories to the family, go to www. blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.

Evelyn (Harmon) Pressey

January 14, 1915 - May 3, 2014

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