KINGFIELD – Bertha Lawrence Durrell, 98, passed away at her beloved home on Jan. 12, 2009.
She was born July 26, 1910 in Bridgewater, the daughter of Charles Edgar and Alberta (Jamison) Laurence. Bertha graduated from Bridgewater Classical Academy in 1928, Farmington Normal School in 1938, and continued formal education at Bates College. She taught school in New Vineyard, Bridgewater, and Presque Isle where she was active with the USO during WWII.
Bertha married Clair H. Durrell in Bridgewater on Sept. 7, 1944. He died in 1982. They lived in Portland where Clair was employed in shipbuilding until after the end of the war. They returned to Clair’
s home in Kingfield and moved to West Kingfield in 1949 where they operated a small family dairy farm. Bertha returned to teaching and taught several grades while maintaining a full farm and community life. She retired from Kingfield Elementary School in 1972.
Bertha was a member of the Kingfield United Methodist Church and was involved in many of the church activities. She was also a member of the Kingfield Extension and a life member of the Eastern Star of Mars Hill.
She maintained a life-long interest in current affairs and was a great reader, gardener and, in retirement, became an avid Red Sox fan.
Bertha is survived by two daughters; Martha Norris of Fairfield, Mary Ellen Durrell of Carrabasset with an extended family of grand-nieces and nephews to whom she was affectionately known as “Aunty B.” She is also survived by a trusted friend and long-time caregiver, Betty Parsons, of Kingfield. Our family is forever grateful for the exceptional care she provided to “B”
over the years. Bertha was predeceased by her parents, husband Clair, and infant brother.
A graveside service will be held in the spring in the Sunnyside Cemetery in Kingfield. Friends who wish to honor her life and work are invited to send memorials in her name to the Kingfield United Methodist Church, 51 High Street, Kingfield, Maine 04947 or to the Gifts of Love, 18 Caboose Lane, Kingfield, Maine 04947.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’
s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.
