FRYEBURG — Alayne Wiley, 81, of Fryeburg passed away peacefully at the Merriman House, in No. Conway, N.H., on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, after a long illness.

She was born on Nov. 9, 1937, to Eleanor (Swinerton) Benson and Mellon Benson. She grew up at her grandparents Samuel and Edith Benson’s family farm in Conway, N.H. (originally the Broughton farm). She moved to Fryeburg after her marriage to Roland Wiley.

For Alayne, family always came first. She and Roly raised their children and also helped to raise their grandchildren, all of whom have special memories of time at their home. Alayne always welcomed friends into their home as well, there was always a pot of coffee on and warm conversation to be had. 

Alayne had a passion for remodeling and decorating homes, which were always admired. She loved to hand-sew, making many beautiful and unique quilts for family members, and also winning a blue ribbon at Fryeburg Fair for one of them. She also had a talent for making hand-braided rugs, many of which she sold. Alayne had a green thumb and took great pride in the beautiful flower gardens she created around her home.

Alayne was dedicated to her community, volunteering throughout the years to make the lives of others better. She belonged to the American Legion and Fryeburg Fire Department Auxiliaries, volunteered with Fryeburg New Church and a community thrift store. She was very proud to be a charter member or Fryeburg Rescue, serving on both Fryeburg Rescue and Kimball’s Ambulance Service for many years.

Anyone who knew Alayne knew how much she loved dogs, how she always made them part of her family. Alayne was always attuned to nature, knowing the seasons for all wild plants and enjoying the wildlife around her home, especially the birds and deer. 

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Roland Wiley; her sister, Dusti Faucher of Florida; her son, Rex Wiley of Fryeburg; her daughter, Christine Knowlton of Florida; her stepdaughter, Lorene Curran of Lovell; her nine grandchildren; cousins, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Alan Benson; and her daughter, Beth Booth.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Gifts may be made in lieu of flowers in Alayne’s memory to: Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park, P.O. Box 1231, Gray, ME 04039.

Arrangements are in the care of the Wood Funeral Home, 9 Warren Street, Fryeburg. Condolences and tributes may be shared with her family at www.woodfuneralhome.org