Verna C. MacLean

NEWFIELD — Verna C. (Smith) MacLean, 79, died on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at St. Andre’s Health Care in Biddeford, surrounded by her family.

Verna was born in Smithville, Nova Scotia on May 24, 1931, and grew up with her brother and sister. After graduating from local schools, Verna moved to the United States and settled in Boston, Mass. While in Boston, Verna worked for many years as a housekeeper for Dr. James Gamble, of the Procter & Gamble Company.

Verna met and married Donald MacLean in 1956 and they were blessed with four children. They eventually moved to Newfield, where they created a loving home and raised their children.

Verna was a proud homemaker, wife and mother who enjoyed sewing, knitting and gardening. With her generous nature, she created a household that was warm and fun, and always had an open door policy with folks stopping by to visit. Verna and Donnie were very close; they loved to travel and enjoyed camping. Together, they made a good team as they worked side-by-side at her husband's carpentry business. Verna was an amazing cook and everyone looked forward to her homemade bread, oatmeal and Bethlehem House cookies. She will be deeply missed by her loving family and friends.

Verna is survived by her husband, Donald MacLean of Newfield; her two sons, Eric MacLean of Newfield, and Neil MacLean of Brownville; her two daughters, Donna DeLuca of Peabody, Mass., and Heather Brenchick of Fryeburg; her sister, Harriett Murphy of Mabou, Nova Scotia; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her mother, Annie Bell Smith; her son, John, who died shortly following his birth; and by her brother, Danford Smith.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, Feb. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Autumn Green Funeral Home, 47 Oak St., in Alfred. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at 11 a.m., at the Newfield United Methodist Church, 643 Water St., Newfield, with the Rev. Hale officiating. Committal prayers and burial will be held in the spring at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Newfield. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com. The Autumn Green Funeral Home is respectfully handling arrangements.

Donnie has requested that donations be made in Verna’s memory to: St. Andre’s Healthcare Facility, 407 Pool St., Biddeford, Maine 04005.