Obituary of Cheryl Clossey

1945-2022

CALAIS - Cheryl Clossey, 77, of Calais, passed away September 14, 2022, at the Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston, due to complications of surgery.  

Mom was born in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, April 23, 1945, the third and youngest daughter of Harold and Ella Lovely (French). She grew up on a small farm in Perry, Maine, sharing fond memories of a happy,  and fun childhood, a loving family, and many friends from school. Mom met and married David Clossey of Eastport, in Perry, December 1, 1962, almost sixty years ago. They were the perfect couple, always making sure we three boys had more than enough and whatever we needed to be successful adults. 

She had never-ending love and great pride in her three sons, their families, and especially visits by her grandchildren. Mom was known for cooking and baking.  Her needhams, whoopie pies, and hand-dipped Christmas chocolates for gifts and family were always the best. We teased her about keeping a house like Martha Stewart but it was no contest: she could cook better than Martha. Our family, friends, and other visitors to the River Road never left her kitchen hungry! 

Mom retired after 38 years as a Lunch Lady at the Calais High School, loving all the kids over the multiple generations, along with the memories of working with her kitchen crew that were a second family. 

She was always a hard worker, with a strong work ethic, demonstrating empathy, Down East common sense, and solid values, all traits she passed along to her family. She was quiet and reserved, enjoying her privacy, with a keen sense of humor, wisdom, intelligence, and always stressed doing the ‘right thing’ in any situation.

In her retirement, she marveled watching the wildlife and birds, all versions of Law and Order, her soaps, cats, and the daily and constant rhythm of the ever-changing tides from the back deck on the St. Croix River.  She was our rock. We will miss her tremendously, to say the least. 

She is survived by her three sons and families: Harold and his children Zane and wife, Elsa of Austin Texas and their daughter, Sierra Cowher, and Jena and civil partner Alex Gallant of St. Stephen, NB, Canada; Dean and wife Michelle and son, David, of Ramsey, MN; and Craig and wife Jackie and son Trevor, of Littleton, ME. She also leaves her oldest sister, our Aunt Carolyn (Mike) Murray of Orono.  She was fond of her many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. 

She was predeceased by her parents, sister Judy Carter, of Old Town, and beloved husband, Dave, on  April 23–Mom’s birthday—in 2013, in Calais. This year would have been their 60th wedding anniversary.

To express condolences, please visit www.directcremationofmaine.com. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Calais PAWS Bravehearts, 368 South St, Calais, ME 04619.

A private memorial is planned for next spring in Calais, ME.