Jane Parsons Norris

LEWISTON-Jane P. Norris, 98, of Auburn, died at D'Youville Pavilion on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Born, Jane Vickery Parsons, in Lewiston, Maine, on July 30th, 1924, the oldest of four children of George F. and Luella Small Parsons. She attended Auburn schools, graduating from Edward Little High School in 1942. In 1946 she graduated from Bates College with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and a minor in History and Government.

She married Leon M. Norris July 22nd, 1947 in the High Street Congregational Church in Auburn. A life-long member of that Church, she co-chaired the building committee after the church building burned in 1985. Mr. Norris passed away December 19th, 2004 following a happy marriage of more than fifty-seven years.

In 1950 Jane became an employee of the Mechanics' Savings Bank, Auburn, Maine and embarked on a lifetime banking career marked by outstanding accomplishment. She loved economics and the financial world. She left the Mechanics as an employee in 1990 serving the last ten years as President and Chief Executive Officer. After retirement as an employee, Jane continued on the bank's Board of Directors, retiring from the Board at the end of 2011. She served as both Vice Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors, served on numerous bank committees and chaired the Audit Committee. She was involved with many Banking Organizations, serving as President for several. Jane served on the original Board of Directors of the Center for Financial Studies at Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut. She was a pioneer in encouraging her employees to acquire the education and experience to qualify for bank management positions. Jane was an instructor for the American Institute of Banking, the predecessor of the Center for Financial Training. She established an education program for employees of Mechanics Savings Bank.

Jane was dedicated to her community and was generous with her time. This was demonstrated with many years of service on the Board of Trustees of Central Maine Medical Center and its Committees and on the CMMC School of Nursing Board. When Central Maine Community College established its CM Education Foundation she was on the original Board of Directors and served for a period of years. Always loyal to her Alma Mater she served many years on the Board of Trustees of Bates College and on its Executive Committee.

She was a member of the Bates College Oren B. Cheney Society, Mt. David Society, the Phillips Society and the College Key. In 2013 she received the Bates Best award. Jane was a Trustee of the Auburn Public Library for six years and Treasurer of the Androscoggin Historical Society for twenty years. She was a Director for many years of the Patrons Oxford Mutual Insurance Company. In addition she served on several community ad hoc committees. In 1988 the Auburn Business Association named her Citizen of the Year.

Jane was a lifelong learner, scholar and student of many disciplines who believed in the importance of education and knowledge. She encouraged her employees in the Mechanics Savings Bank to take advantage of the educational programs the bank offered and above all to strive to attain their Bachelor's Degrees. She enjoyed learning something new and different and helping others to learn as well. Jane was fond of music, sewing, tailoring, quilting, Biblical Archaeology and family gatherings.

She is survived by:

A daughter, Janice G. Norris, Norway, ME

Son-in-law Stephen A. Fairchild, M.D. and his wife, Carol A. Dennis, M.D.; special people, Nathan D. Fairchild, Christopher W. Fairchild, JoAnne Parsons Campbell, sister-in-law Mary E. Parsons, and Jane's extended family including many nieces & nephews.

She was predeceased by a daughter, Linda Norris Fairchild, M.D.; her brother John S. Parsons, a sister Georgia Eustis, and a sister Florence P. Hansen.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 1st from 4PM-7PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 2nd at 11AM at the High Street Congregational Church in Auburn followed by a private committal service.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Home | 217 Turner Street Auburn, ME 04210 | (207) 783-8545