Mary S. French, 92, of Windsor, passed away Feb. 20 after a period of declining health with family by her side.
Mary was born in Stoneham, Mass. on Nov. 27, 1917, the only daughter of Charles and Charlotte (Rolfe) Sabin. She graduated from Harwich High School in Harwich, Mass. in 1934, and then from Hyannis State Teachers College in 1938. Hers was the first four year class to receive a Bachelor of Science in education. She came to teach school in Coopers Mills in 1938. She taught in one room schoolhouses in Coopers Mills, Chelsea and Windsor. She retired in 1977 after 39 years of teaching. As a teacher, Mary was very proud of her students and since retiring she enjoyed the numerous calls and visits from former students.
She married Merton Turner Brann on Dec. 25, 1940 in Harwichport, Mass. Merton died of polio July 14, 1954. On Aug. 2, 1958 she married Lawrence A. French of Windsor. Lawrence died Aug. 3, 2000. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Donald Sabin and wife Amy, Howard Sabin and wife Priscilla, and younger brothers, Robert and Richmond.
She was a member of the Windsor Historical Society, Somerville Historical Society, Palermo Historical Society, Young at Heart Senior Citizens, Daughters of the American Revolution-Koussinoc Augusta chapter, Kennebec County Retired Teachers, Sabin Association, and Turner Reunion. She was trustee emeritus of Windsor Fair, Superintendent of the fair exhibition hall for many years, Secretary of Senior Citizens, and Secretary and Historian of the Turner Reunion. She has received many awards and honors including Spirit of America from Windsor, Daughters of the American Revolution recognition, and has been the subject of many newspaper articles. She was also a major contributor to two books on the history of Somerville. As a lifelong learner and genealogy enthusiast, Mary was able to trace her ancestors back to the Mayflower. Being a “go to” person for information about local families, she helped many others in their
genealogy quests.
She is survived by her children, Patricia Jones and husband David L. of Palermo, David M. Brann and wife Molly of Homer, Alas., Richmond W. Brann and wife Nancy of Somerville, Robert S. Brann and wife Priscilla of Windsor, Timothy W. Brann and wife Sue of Poulsbo, Wash., and Steven K. French and wife Jane of Palermo; stepson, Laurice French of Somerville; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren; and an extended family of many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visiting hours 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Wed., Feb. 24 at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home – Gray Chapel, 207 Windsor Neck Rd., Windsor, where a funeral service will be 2 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 25. Gathering of family and friends will follow at the Palermo Christian Church in Palermo.
As a way of honoring Mary we suggest you document your own family history and if you wish, provide a copy to the Windsor Historical Society. The histories will be placed in the genealogy room at the Windsor Historical Society Museum.
In lieu of flowers, we appreciate donations to Windsor Historical Society and the Mary S. French Reading Room, P.O. Box 27, Windsor, ME 04363.
Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com.
Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home – Gray Chapel, 207 Windsor Neck Rd., Windsor.