Abigail Abby Randall Lumsden

New Gloucester - Abigail Randall Lumsden of New Gloucester passed away peacefully in her sleep February 18th, 2015, her dog Ben was by her side.

The daughter of John F. Randall II and Elizabeth Sherman Randall, Abigail was born in Portland on April 10th 1934 and grew up on Falmouth Foreside. She attended Underwood School in Falmouth and Waynflete School in Portland. After attending Smith College, Abigail graduated from the University of Maine, earning a Bachelor of Science with Distinction and a Master of Science in Education.

Abigail had a long career teaching biology, life and earth sciences at Thornton Academy, Lake Region High School, and at Deering High School. Later she was an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maine, the University of New Hampshire and Westbrook College. She had a strong interest in environmental planning, shown through her participation on New Gloucester News, the Planning Board, and in the Sabbathday Lake and Royal River Watershed projects.

Abigail had an artist’s eye and skilled hands, whether it was with paint, flowers, fabric, or fibers. Her interests were varied. She sailed competitively in the Young Women’s U.S. Lightning competition and was an amateur geologist. An avid horseback rider as a teen, she continued her passion and love for animals at her hobby farm. Abigail was a long term volunteer at the Portland Observatory and pursued her interest in Portland History and family genealogy.

Abigail’s love of community was returned to her after her home of 40 years was destroyed by fire in November. Her community rallied in support.

Abigail is survived by her four children: Amanda Baker of South Freeport; James Bruce Lumsden of Rockland; Christopher Lumsden of Windham and Danna McKinney of Canton, GA; her six grandchildren: Elisabeth Moon, Noah Lumsden, Sophie Lumsden, Matthew McKinney, Liam McKinney and Abigail Lumsden; as well as her brother, John F. Randall III of MA.

We give special thanks to Androscoggin Hospice, the United Society of Shakers, friends and neighbors for all their help and love.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 14, 2015 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, ME with a reception following in the church hall. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery at a later time. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Abigail’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in her name to: The Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101.