Lorraine O. Stickney

STANDISH - Lorraine (Phyllis) Osberg Stickney, 83, died on Nov. 20, 2019 at Avita Memory Care in Brunswick. Lorraine was born on September 2, 1936 in Spicer, MN. She was the third of four daughters born to Edgar Albin Osberg and Ella Sophie Orson. She graduated high school in Kerkhoven, Mn in 1954, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Augsburg College in 1958 (Minneapolis, MN), and a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Maine in 1967. Lorraine was united in marriage to Fredric H. Stickney June 25,1960 in Minneapolis, MN. They built their home on Watchic Lake in Standish, and remained there through 54 years of marriage. As a lifelong reader, and someone who loved to share books with friends and family, it was a natural fit for Lorraine to become a librarian. She was the librarian at Gorham High School from 1961 until her retirement in 1999. Lorraine received many awards during her distinguished career. She was the recipient of the Excellence in Education award from the University of Southern Maine in 1989. In 2002, the Gorham High School Library was renamed the Lorraine O. Stickney Library in her honor. She served as Secretary for the Maine School Library Association from 1963 to 1965, and Secretary for the Maine Educational Media Association from 1985 to 1989. A letter from Lorraine, sent to author Richard Lederer, was also featured in his book, “The Miracle of Language” (Simon and Schuster, 2010). In the chapter, “Ya Got Any Good Books Here?”, Mr. Lederer listed some of the best questions, comments, and requests from students that Lorraine received over the years as librarian of Gorham High School. Besides reading, Lorraine enjoyed hiking, swimming, visiting with friends and family, and relaxing with her dogs. Lorraine is survived by sister-in-law, Virginia Cooper of Wiscasset, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews who all love and miss her dearly. Lorraine will forever be remembered for her warm smile, quick wit, and generous spirit. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fredric Stickney; parents, Edgar and Ella Osberg; sisters Evonne Foote (Evans, CO), Deloris Mikkanen (Annandale, MN), and Kathryn Bruehl (Redwood City, CA); and nieces Jocelyn Stover (Topsham) and Lori Bruehl (Boise, ID). A public visitation will be held, 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at the Gorham Chapel of Dolby, Blais & Segee, 76 State Street. A private family burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland.

Lorraine O. Stickney

September 2, 1936 - November 20, 2019

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