Doris Lily Souviney (nee Randall), 95, passed away as the result of a stroke on June 23 in Encinitas, Cal.
She was born March 24, 1917 in Lynn, Mass., the first daughter of Lily Kate Randall (nee King) of Tisbury, England and Melvin Murillo Randall of Dresden. Her siblings were Donald Melvin, Arlene Harriet and Gladys Rose. In Dresden in 1940, Doris married Leslie John Souviney, son of John Henry Souviney.
Doris earned a Baccalaureate and a Masters degree in Education from the University of Maine, Orono. She was a much-loved teacher for over three decades, first in Dresden at the Middle Bridge School where she taught grades 1-6 all together in one room and then grades 5-6 at the “Red Brick” School. She went on to teach science at Buker Junior High School in Augusta for the second half of her celebrated career.
Throughout her retirement, she tutored Dresden students who were struggling with algebra and other subjects, and was always available to demonstrate her one-room school teaching practices at the Red Brick Schoolhouse Museum. She also was a docent at the Fort Western Museum in Augusta for several years and served the Dresden community as a member of the Dresden Fire Department Auxiliary, Trustee for Bridge Academy, Treasurer of the Bridge Charitable Fund, a founder of the Dresden Historical Society, and a member of countless planning committees for the town. Doris will also be fondly remembered for the mounds of her famous turkey dressing and gravy that was served for decades at the Dresden Annual Harvest Supper.
She was predeceased by her parents Lily and Melvin; husband, Leslie; siblings, Donald, Arlene, Gladys; and nephew, Alan Swasey.
Doris is survived by her children and their spouses, Donna and Walter Lilly, Carol and Gary Olson, Randall and Stephanie Souviney of San Diego, Cal. and Renee and Keith Gray of Yarmouth; grandchildren, Michelle Thelander (nee Souviney) of San Clemente, Cal., and Kaitlyn, Josiah, Samantha, Ethan, McKenzie, and Caleb Gray of Yarmouth; great-grandchildren, Torin, Shannon, Bjorn and Rhiannon Thelander; nieces, Paula Hacopiannik (nee Swasey) of Vista, Cal., and Karla Swasey of Winthrop; and many loving step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and dear friends in Dresden and from away.
An open house in memory of Doris Lily Souviney is scheduled for 3-6 p.m., Sat., Aug. 18 for friends and family at 23 Common Rd. in Dresden.
The family suggests that if you wish to make a donation in her memory, please send your contribution to the Bridge Charitable Fund, 502 Gardiner Rd., Dresden, ME 04342.
Arrangements handled by Accu-Care, Carlsbad, Cal.
