Andrea O. Payson, 47, died Oct. 14 at Windward Gardens in Camden, after waging a 19-year courageous battle with breast cancer.
Born in Portland, April 1, 1959, she was the daughter of Richard W. and Rena Hall Osier.
Growing up in Waldoboro, she attended local schools and graduated from Medomak Valley High School in 1977.
That fall she attended Androscoggin Valley Technical College, where she earned certification as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant. Following her graduation she worked at the former Camden Health Care Center.
She enjoyed assisting her father in making floral arrangements at their Broadbay Florist Shop in Waldoboro.
In June of 1983, she married Donald E. Payson, Jr. at their home in Rockland, where the couple resided and raised their two children.
She taught art with Mrs. Marriner at Pen Bay Christian School, while her children were students there.
Later on she was employed at the Talbot Home and earned her CRMA certification. She thoroughly enjoyed interactions with the residents while she was there.
Throughout her illness, Andrea found great therapy in sewing, quilting, doll making and gardening. She made a substantial amount of lap quilts for the Cancer Care Center at Maine Medical Center and also gave many of her creations to friends and family.
Andrea enjoyed traveling with her family to various destinations, her favorite being Hawaii.
She had a great love for her two cocker spaniels, Ginger and Max.
Andrea’s family said she was one of the most thoughtful, sincere, and caring individuals who enjoyed helping others.
Besides her mother and husband, Andrea is survived by her daughter, Holly A. Payson, and her son, Donald E. Payson, III, all of Rockland; sister, Rebecca J. Hall and husband Gregory of Bowdoinham; mother-in-law, Lucille M.E. Payson and aunt, Annette H. Brooks, both of Rockland; as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
Celebration of life 1 p.m., Sat., Oct. 21 at the North Nobleboro Baptist Church, Upper East Pond Rd., Nobleboro. The Reverends Irvin Gammon and Bette Bond will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Maine Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 553, Portland, ME 04112, or online at www.mainecancer.org.
To sign an online guest book, please visit www.bchfh.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.
