Auburn- Jean F. Libbey 76, of Perkins Ridge Rd. died in the early hours of July 4, in her home, surrounded by her family, who knew she was ready to be "cancer free" again, they let her go on to her NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE. She was born on April 4, 1938 in St. Johnsbury, VT daughter of the late Richard A. and Alice P. Files. She was educated in Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School class of 1956. Jean married her true love, Douglas E. Libbey in 1958. She then went on to earn her BS at the University of Maine in 1971. While her children were young she worked as a long term substitute at Edward Little. After they were grown she turned her talent for sewing into a successful business, first opening The Sewing Network in Auburn, which she sold in 2004 and she opened her second store Mainely Sewing Machines in Portland, that now has recently merged with a local sewing store, During her 25 plus years in business she became Maine's largest and only Premier Viking retailer. She sends a thank you to the multitude of friends who encouraged her to begin a new career, and especially her husband, Doug, who helped her every day of their 56 year marriage and urged her to live her passions. Some of her passions included sewing, traveling, teaching others to sew and quilt, gardening, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren. Jean was a cooperator at Mechanic savings bank, she belonged to H.O.P.E. as a guide, was a 12 year volunteer at CMMC Bennett Breast Care Center, PAC member for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing. She is survived by her husband Douglas E. Libbey of Auburn, daughter Ruth N. Libbey of Northville, Michigan, a son Russell D. Libbey and wife Elizabeth of Auburn and grandchildren Rachel and Ryan also of Auburn. A sister, Nan Schleich and her husband of Riverton, CT and a brother, Richard Files of Greenville. Visitation Fortin Auburn Monday 5-8 PM. Funeral will be celebrated on Tuesday 11 AM at East Auburn Baptist Church. You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Jean's life by visiting her guest book at: www.thefortingroupauburn.com
Those wishing to make donations in her memory may do so to The Auburn Public Library 49 Spring St. Auburn, ME 04210 or The Androscoggin Humane Society 55 Strawberry Ave Lewiston, ME 04240.
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