Lucilla “Lu” Archer, 83, of Jefferson, passed away on the afternoon of June 22 at the LincolnHealth – Miles Campus with her loving family by her side. Born in Brewer on May 10, 1932, she was the second of seven children to Herbert and Pauline (Crossman) Shoppe.
Lu grew up in Bangor, attending local schools and graduating from Bangor High School. Shortly out of high school she married Paul Archer, whom she met while he was attending the University of Maine. The couple started their family and lived in Bangor and Augusta before falling in love with the Bunker Hill area of Jefferson in the mid 1950s.
While living in Jefferson, she was devoted to raising her three sons. As they grew up, she had various jobs throughout the area, including local shops and the Nash Telephone Company in Newcastle. She would eventually go on to work at the Togus VA Hospital, retiring after 26 years of loyal service.
An avid quilter, she won many awards and ribbons for her beautiful pieces of work. She gave lessons, taught classes, and people knew they could ask her for help if they ever got stuck on a project. She has been donating quilts as part of a fundraiser for St. Giles Church in Jefferson since 1977, and was acknowledged by the church for her efforts.
She enjoyed gardening, fishing, yard sales, and travelling, but she always looked forward to her long weekends with Paul at their camp on Hopkins Pond in Mariaville. More than anything, she loved spending time with her three sons, granddaughter and two great-grandsons.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Paul D. Archer; son, David Archer; sister, Linda Mallet; and brother, Herbert Shoppe.
She is survived by her sons, Deane Archer of Jefferson, and Duane Archer and wife Elizabeth of Jefferson; granddaughter, Mary Archer-Brey and husband William of Rangeley; great-grandsons, Will and Wyatt Brey of Rangeley; siblings, Joan Ames of Massachusetts, Sandra Trimble of Ohio, Sally Pappas of Kenduskeag, and Richard Shoppe of Texas; beloved cat, Simon; and extended family and many friends.
There will be a time to visit with the family, and pay your respects to Lu, from 5-7 p.m., Thurs., June 25 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Fri., June 26 with her good friend and pastor the Rev. Dr. Susan Kraus officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Giles Church, 72 Gardiner Rd., Jefferson, ME 04348.
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.
