Obituary of Doris Isabelle Hall

ALBION - Doris Isabelle Hall, 90, passed away on the morning of April 6, 2011, at Lakewood Nursing Home after a period of declining health. She was born Oct. 11, 1920, in Unity, the daughter of William and Mamie (Murch) Gerald. Doris was active on her family's farm as a girl, working alongside her parents and five sisters. She graduated from Unity High School and while she was a student there, won a speaking contest for reciting "Aunt Jemima's Courtship." After graduation Doris worked as a pastry cook at Colby and Bates colleges. She also worked at Grindstone Inn, a summer resort in Winter Harbor. As a young woman, Doris was a "free sprirt," a favorite pastime being horseback riding - the livelier the horse, the better. She also told stories of her trips in a "little boat" out in the ocean to another summer cooking job on the island of Medomak. This took extra courage because she couldn't swim. Doris married Harvey Hall June 25, 1949, and they ran a dairy farm together. They raised Jersey cows and also had a few Holsteins, a couple of ponies - which she loved, and a sheep. Doris was a lifelong animal lover, adopting many stray cats during the years. She and Harvey also had several dogs - each and every pet was very special to her. The couple had one daughter, Joann, and the family lived in the same location on Pond Road, Albion, for many years. After Joann left home for college, Doris took up a pastime, which gave her many hours of enjoyment. She took acrylic painting lessons and rediscovered a talent that had lain dormant for many years. Many of her beautiful paintings graced her walls and the homes of her family and friends. She was especially fond of painting landscapes. After retiring from farming Doris and Harvey asked their daughter, her husband, Paul, and the two grandchildren, Melody and John, to come live at the farm. Doris and Harvey had purchased a mobile home and planned to set it up next to the old place. Doris planted many trees around their new home and they are now standing proud and tall. She loved her lawns and plants, and spent most of her time outside in the summer. She was still mowing her lawn with a riding lawnmower at age 87. Doris was a member of Unity Church of Christ for many years. We especially thank her Christian sisters, Carol Winningham and daughter, Angelica, for "lending" their cat to Doris after her cat died. She received their special gift on Valentine's Day 2009, and was able to keep her for about a year and a half. The cat, who Doris named Betsy, gave her many, many hours of happiness and comfort. Doris was predeceased by her parents; her husband of more than 50 years, Harvey; and four sisters, Thelma Cornforth, Evelyn Webb, Pearl Smith and Mildred Crosby. She is survived by her sister, Helen Alexander; her daughter and son-in-law, Joann and Paul Westin of Albion; granddaughter and her husband, Melody and Jonathan Twitchell of Cape Elizabeth; and her grandson, John Westin. She is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews, with whom she had been close throughout the years; and many special friends. She will be sadly missed by her loving family. The family thanks her doctors, her in-home health workers, especially Beth Quimby, and the staff at Oak Grove and Lakewood nursing homes for their kind and gentle care. In October 2010, Doris was treated to a surprise 90th birthday party in the activity room at Oak Grove Nursing Care Center, with more than 50 relatives and friends in attendance. This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate her full life. There will be no funeral services. A graveside ceremony will be held in June. Those who wish may make donations in Doris' memory to Waterville Area Humane Society.