Kay Dawna Mosher

GORHAM - Kay Dawna (Fletcher) Mosher passed away at dawn on February 15, with her husband, daughters, and sister Gail by her side. She was born on September 6, 1934, in Portland, the first child of Irene (Peterson) and Wendall Martin Fletcher, Sr. As a little girl, Kay loved to spend time at her parents’ family business at Woodfords Corner - Fletcher’s Bakery. She was a wonderful big sister, caring for her three younger siblings. Her father’s untimely death at the age of 44 left a big void that Kay helped to fill with her loving care. She was a majorette at Deering High School and played double bass in the high school orchestra as well as in the Portland Junior Symphony Orchestra. She was selected as Sweetheart of the University of Maine Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity as a high school senior. Kay attended the University of Maine, and when she arrived she was featured in a Portland Press Herald front-page article. While at college, she was a majorette in the University of Maine Band,sang in the Glee Club and was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. and sang in the Glee Club. In 1955, Kay was voted ROTC Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in a campus-wide election. She graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1956. Kay married the love of her life, Abbott Woodward Mosher, on March 3, 1956. The newlyweds first moved to Pennsylvania, where Abbott had been working as a Design Engineer with Ingersoll Rand. Kay taught at Sayre High School. Next, they moved to Aberdeen, Maryland where Abbott was stationed in the U.S. Army, and Kay worked at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Kay then expressed a desire to return to Maine, to be closer to her mother and younger siblings. They moved to Portland in late 1956, when Abbott joined S.D. Warren as a Research Engineer and Kay taught at Portland High School. In 1959, the couple bought the Cloudman Farm in Gorham, which adjoins the Presumpscot River near the Mosher Homestead where Abbott grew up. There, they raised three daughters and a son. The family - along with many horses, sheep, cats, and dogs - enjoyed the fields and woods along the river. Utilizing her Home Economics training, Kay balanced an array of talents. She was an accomplished seamstress and sewed the bridesmaids’ gowns for her wedding. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed designing the interior of her Gorham home. She would often host gatherings at Sandy Cove on Sebago Lake, a property her parents bought in the 1940s, and at the Mosher cottage at Pine Point Beach. Kay took pride in her appearance through fashion and cosmetics, and in later years shared this passion when she became a Mary Kay beauty consultant. As her children moved away across country and the world, Kay was always there to lend a hand and help with the moves. As grandchildren came along, Kay traveled far to welcome and care for them. As Alzheimer’s disease gradually took its toll over the last 14 years of Kay’s life, she wanted to remain at home and Abbott made it happen. Kay loved to play cards, chat, and eat ice cream, often with a laugh that none of her family or friends will ever forget. She was kind and loving, and remained positive and joyful even as Alzheimer’s progressed. She was also very persistent and hard-working, and was able to accomplish many things for her family and community. It became a family tradition to gather at Pine Point on Labor Day weekend to celebrate Kay’s birthday with lobster rolls, ice cream, and walks on the beach. Through the effort and ingenuity of Abbott, the family was able to take her down to the beach as late as 2022. Kay served many roles in the community with enthusiasm. When the family established a connection with the Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, Kay served as a member of the Choir, Couples Club, Merger Study Committee, and was a Sunday School Teacher. Kay also was a member of the Westbrook Women’s Club, Jaycee Wives, and Women’s Literary Union, and were Foster Parents. In 1968, Kay helped create the Gorham Cooperative Nursery School. As her children got involved in music, she became active with the Portland Symphony Supporters and was a charter member of the USM Music School Scholarship Gala. She also served on a committee that established the Gorham Land Trust and was a member of the University of Maine Women’s Alumni. Kay is survived by her husband Abbott Mosher of Gorham, Maine; brother Wendall Fletcher, Jr. and partner Gail Bartlett of Portland, Maine; sister Carol Fletcher of Portland, Maine; sister Gail Jones and husband John Jones of Auburn, California; brother-in-law Albert Erlon Mosher, Jr. of Gorham; daughter Dorothy Mosher of Zug, Switzerland; daughter Kathryn Mosher-Boulé and husband Arthur Boulé of Winter Park, Florida; daughter Margaret Young and husband Richard Young of Brewer, Maine; son Daniel Mosher of Glastonbury, Connecticut; grandson Eric Young and wife Danielle Tardiff Young; grandson Joshua Young, granddaughter Kayla Mosher; grandson Andrew Mosher; grandson Ryan Young; great-grandchildren Fletcher Young and Jasper Young; and her many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Kay was pre-deceased by her parents, her sister-in-law Lorraine Davis Mosher, and her great-grandson Dexter Young. The family wishes to thank Kay’s care team: Maureen of Home Instead; Kathy, Addie, Tammy, and Martine of Northern Light Hospice; and Theresa. You all were angels. Services in mid-July will be arranged by Dolby, Blais, & Segee. www.dolbyblaissegee.com In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kay’s memory to the Westbrook-Warren Church, 810 Main Street, Westbrook, ME 04092 or the Class of 1956 Fund, University of Maine Foundation, 2 Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469.

Kay Dawna Mosher

September 6, 1934 - February 15, 2023

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