WINDHAM — Frances Elizabeth Johnson Mains, 87, passed peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018 after a long battle with congestive heart failure at Ledgewood Manor in Windham, where she received the most loving care from so many.

She was a light in the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She was born in Portland on Oct. 10, 1931, daughter of Frances E. and Beulah A. Eldridge Johnson, and grew up in Westbrook, graduating from Westbrook High School in 1949. She later studied at Gorham State Teachers College, which is now the University of Southern Maine. She was fond of saying that she could have happily been a professional student. Frances worked retail in later years, but her primary work was creating a loving, nurturing home for her family. She was an award-winning pianist, an incredibly gifted writer and she loved art, whether it was to enjoy it or create it. She was a member of the First Parish Congregational Church in Gorham for decades.

In 2002, she sold the family home in Gorham and settled in Raymond, where she fell in love with the Raymond Village Community Church. They welcomed her with open arms and loved her like she was their own. Here, she took part in many conferences, special events and programs surrounded by people who fed her soul, and eventually, well into her 80s, volunteered in the church office every Thursday.

Her greatest joy of all was her relationship with her family and the many friends who touched her life. She loved her large round oak table, where all were welcome and which served as a happy hub during her married life. She always felt that she made no big waves, fame and fortune were not her lot. However, she believed that every life touched every other life in some way before it ended, assuring her that the ripples she made were of value in undisclosed, but meaningful ways. Therefore, she felt her life to be complete.

Her husband, Clifford W. Mains Sr., died in 1993.

Frances will be sorely missed by her family: Clifford W. Mains Jr. of Mount Dora, Fla., Susan C. Mains of South Portland, Diana L. Mains of Cornish and Joseph P. Mains of Windham; as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

To express condolences, or participate in Frances’ online tribute, please visit www.DolbyBlaisSegee.com

Visitation was held on Sunday, Dec. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Windham Chapel of Dolby Blais and Segee, 434 River Road, Windham. A celebration of her life will be planned for next spring at Fort Williams.

In lieu of flowers, remembrance donations may be sent to the Raymond Village Community Church, 27 Main Street, Raymond, ME 04071.