Anne Emerson

GORHAM — Anne H. Emerson passed away on April 22, 2013 at The Cedars in Portland.

She was born on Aug. 26, 1924, in Ellsworth, one of five children and the only daughter of Charles A. Haynes Sr. and Hazel G. Haynes. She graduated from Ellsworth High School and received her degree in nursing at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. She was a registered nurse.

Anne married Horton W. (Bill) Emerson Jr. on July 19, 1947, and held various jobs including work at the infirmary at Colby College and at Grace New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Conn., while Bill was pursuing his studies. After six years in Georgia and North Carolina, Anne and Bill moved with their family to Gorham in 1962. She worked in many different nursing settings including the infirmary at Gorham State Teacher’s College and Westbrook Hospital. Her specialty was obstetrical nursing and she birthed a literal ton of babies.

It would be an understatement to say that Anne’s was a very full life, and she had many stars in her crown. She was a lifelong Girl Scout, an election clerk, devoted member and past deacon of the First Parish Congregational Church, made cookies for the Seafarer’s Mission, volunteered at the Baxter Memorial Library, and was a member of Gorham’s Cosmopolitan Club.

Music was a major part of her life; she was raised in a family of musicians and played multiple musical instruments. She sang with the Congregational Church choir for more than 50 years, was a member of the Annie Louise Cary Club, and played euphonium in several bands, including the Casco Bay Concert Band.

She was an accomplished artist, and for many years, made intricately designed Ukranian “psanky” eggs and created landscapes in watercolor.

Raised with four brothers, Anne was a competitive spirit and a determined athlete, enjoying golf, bowling and softball among other athletic pursuits. In the summer, it was a point of pride for her to take a daily dip in Union River Bay, regardless of water temperature or her age. And she was proud to recount her three-mile swim across the bay. She organized biking trips to Nova Scotia, hiked part of the Appalachian Trail, and planned many a Girl Scout campout. She enjoyed traveling and made multiple trips to England and Europe.

Anne was predeceased by her husband; and three brothers, Charles, Jerry and Robert.

She is survived by her children, Jane Gavin of Hiram, John W. Emerson Sr. of Gorham and Sarah Potter of Lewiston; her brother, Peter Haynes of Yarmouth; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a large and dear extended family.

There are no visiting hours. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2013, at the First Parish Congregational Church, 1 Church Street, Gorham. The Rev. David Butler officiated. Arrangements are by the Dolby Funeral Chapel, Windham. For those wishing to send a message of condolence, please visit www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anne’s memory may be made to: The First Parish Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Gorham, ME 04038 or The Girl Scouts of Maine, P.O. Box 9421, South Portland, ME 04116-9421 or to the Baxter Memorial Library, South Street, Gorham, ME 04038.