Marion Spear

loving daughter Kathy and son-in-law John Lacey by her side. She was born May 9,

1917 in West Newton, Massachusetts to the late Frederick P. and Ethel (Hyde) Welsch.

She is also survived by her sons Robert (Elizabeth), Stephen (Rochelle), grandsons

Stephen, David (Erica), Alexander, Gregory and William and great grand children Dylan

and Sydney. She was predeceased by her husband Dr. William Spear, sister Irma Dana

and brother Melvin Welsch.

Marion graduated from Marblehead (MA) High School in 1934 and Bates College in

1938, where she was involved in many activities. She met the love of her life at Bates

and she and Bill Spear married in 1941. She attended Massachusetts Memorial

School of Nursing and became a nursing instructor at Central Maine General Hospital

(now CMMC) in Lewiston.

During the Second World War, Marion was a nurse for veterans who were blinded in

combat. After the war, she and Bill moved their young family to Lisbon Falls, where

Marion remained active in the community as a first aid instructor for the Civil Defense

and as a Girl Scout leader. She served on the Lisbon School Board and on the Board

of Directors of the Androscogin County tuberculosis Association and many other local

civic organizations. She was a member of the Pioneer Chapter of the Order of the

Eastern Star, the Burnt Meadow Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution,

and the Cooperative Extension of Androscogin and Sagadahoc Counties.

Upon Billl’s retirement from medical practice they made their home in West Bowdoin,

where they both enjoyed their love of the outdoors. Marion enjoyed hiking the woods

and fields of her country home with her beloved dogs by her side. She loved

gardening and every summer kept a garden overflowing with flowers and vegetables.

Marion enjoyed so many different things but at the top of her list was spending time

with her grandchildren. She was active as an alumna of Bates College, serving as

president of the Bates Key Club and secretary of the class of 1938, which allowed her

to keep in touch with many of her classmates.

Marion was an avid reader and always had several books on her table. She was a life

long member of the Lisbon Falls Library. Many thanks to all the librarians who assisted

her through the years.

Marion will be remembered by her family and friends for her happy, generous, and

giving nature. Her door was always open and friends and neighbors were welcome at

any time to stop by for coffee and conversation.The family would like to thank the staff

of Beacon Hospice for their thoughtful help.

Those who so desire may make donations in memory of Marion to the Lisbon Falls

Community Library, 28 Main Street, Lisbon Falls, ME, 04252. In accordance with

Marion’s wishes, there will be no services.