Geraldine Lincoln Creamer, of Yarmouth and Waldoboro, died on Dec. 4, following a brief illness.
She was born in Washington on Dec. 29, 1926, the youngest daughter of Benjamin H. Lincoln and Nellie (Cunningham) Lincoln. She attended Washington and Union schools and graduated from Northfield School for Girls in 1945. She subsequently graduated from Bates College in 1949.
Gerry treasured her life-long friendships with childhood pals and college friends. Rather uniquely, the “Bates Group” gathered annually to renew their ties for the past 58 years.
Gerry met her future husband, Thomas, at a dance at the Evening Star Grange in Washington in 1947 and married in 1949. They continued to love dancing and band music, whether at Lakehurst or in their kitchen listening to Lawrence Welk. Living in Yarmouth, she raised four children and taught second grade for 26 years. During this time she earned her Masters degree in education at University of Maine, Orono. While in Yarmouth, she was active in the Winnegance Chapter 119 of Eastern Star, serving as Matron in 1983.
Upon retirement, Gerry and Thomas spent most of their time at the family farm on Dutch Neck in Waldoboro and at their camp on Damariscotta Lake. She cherished the history and beauty of the Midcoast region. Her family enjoyed a mother who always exhibited unbridled energy and a “can do” attitude. On Dutch Neck she relished clearing brush and paths on old tote roads, gardening, and finding and cutting the perfect Christmas tree. Gerry could always convince her family that there was still enough time at dusk to get out on the lake to catch a few bass, or to dig some clams for dinner as high tide was rapidly approaching.
A true history and genealogy buff, she was a walking encyclopedia of the generational ownership and past uses of the various homesteads within the Waldoboro, Washington, and Union areas. A favorite activity was to “get out and take a ride” to find and explore an abandoned or nearly impassable back road that “used to go through.” Gerry was also an excellent cook who seldom referenced a recipe. She amazed her family with the speed and ease with which she made homemade pies, jams, pickles, and green tomato mincemeat. Her tables were always graced by flower arrangements she picked.
In retirement she remained active in community and volunteer organizations; activities included Waldoboro Women’s Club, Waldoboro Historical Society, Lincoln County Retired Teachers Association (secretary for over 10 years) and Ladies Auxiliary/German Protestant Society (treasurer for several years).
Besides her parents, she is predeceased by her sisters, Louise Ames and Marguerite Payson.
In addition to her husband, Thomas, she is survived by her children, Pam (Portland), Kent (Boston), Kim (Bath), and Court (Gorham); and many nieces and nephews. Gerry had a special relationship with her niece, Judy Payson Schwab and her family.
Visiting hours 6-8 p.m., Thurs., Dec. 13 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
Funeral 11 a.m., Fri., Dec. 14 at the funeral home.
Burial will be held in the spring at the German Protestant Cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be sent to the Medomak Valley Land Trust, 25 Friendship Rd., Waldoboro, ME 04572.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro.
