Ethelyn Ralph Deery, 102, passed away on the morning of Oct. 28 at the Lincoln Home in Newcastle. Born in Waldoboro on Feb. 7, 1910, she was the daughter of William B. and Meda (Brown) Ralph.
After moving to Massachusetts, she graduated from Lynn Classical High School where she won the Lucy R. Allen Declamation award. While attending high school, she also studied at a local drama school, all the while playing an extra at the local stock theater. After high school she traveled in eastern Canada with the Shorey Repertory Company.
In 1929 she joined Greyhound Lines in New York City, and later transferred to their main office in Cleveland, Ohio. After five years she was transferred to Boston, where she worked until her retirement, after 41 years with the company. In 1943, she joined the Women’s Army Air Corps, serving two and a half years. In 1948 she married James Deery.
After their retirement, the couple moved back to Waldoboro. After the death of her husband, she became active in the Waldoboro Community Garden Club and the Waldoboro Women’s Club. She was also a member of the Orff’s Corner Community Church. In 1988 she and her sister, Madelyn Dowlin, moved to Schooner Cove in Damariscotta.
She is survived by several cousins in the Waldoboro area.
Graveside service 1 p.m., Wed., Nov. 7 at the Orff’s Corner Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Orff’s Corner Community Church, Waldoboro, ME 04572.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
