FARMINGTON — Jane Metcalf Keirstead, 76, of Farmington, died at her Court Street, Farmington home on Tuesday June 17, 2008, following a gradual decline with progressive bulbar palsy and macular degeneration.
She was born May 14, 1932, in Strong, a daughter of Donald Kenneth and Esther Jane (Savage) Metcalf. She was a graduate of Farmington High School and the University of Maine. While in college, she taught swimming at Clearwater Lake in Industry and later at Moosehead Lake in Greenville.
On June 27, 1954, she married Stanley Keirstead. She taught home economics in the Jay and Livermore Falls school systems and later, when her husband was stationed in France, she taught GED classes for the military. Upon their return to the States, she derived great pleasure from raising their daughters and was later a substitute teacher in local schools. She was a Girl Scout leader and High School Cheering Coach.
She was a lifelong member of the old South United Church of Christ and was a member of the Monday Club, the DAR, Farmington Historical Society and the Gold Leaf Institute. She was an avid bridge player.
Jane was a devoted mother, grandmother and aunt who enjoyed spending time with her family and supporting their interests. She is survived by two daughters: Andrea Jane Keirstead of Farmington and Kimberly Metcalf Keirstead Pierce and her husband, Larry Pierce of Jefferson, Mass.; a granddaughter, Megan Keirstead Pierce; a grandson, Benjamin Daniel Pierce; two nieces: Linda Greenleaf of Farmington and Candace Alley of Beal’s Island. She was predeceased by her sister, Jean Syme.
Family and friends are invited to call at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., (Rtes. 2 & 27) Farmington on Wednesday June 25 from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday afternoon at 2 PM with Rev. C. Scott Planting officiating. Committal services will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Farmington. Following services, all are invited to the Remembrance Center for a family reception. On-line condolences may be sent to her family at wilesfuneralhomes@verizon.net.
