Marion Fisher Vansant, 94, died at Chase Point in Damariscotta on July 3.
She was born Marion Louise Fisher on Dec. 2, 1914, in Lockport, N.Y., the only child of Frances Marion Fessman and Charles Jacob Fisher. After several moves, her family settled in New Rochelle, N.Y., where her father owned and operated a variety store.
From her childhood during the Great Depression, Marion learned to work hard for her dreams. One of these was a college education, for which she won a full scholarship to Vassar College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in English literature in 1936.
In 1937 she married her high school sweetheart, John Vansant. They made their home near Philadelphia, where they raised their daughters and enjoyed weekend sailing on Long Island Sound. During this time they entered many races, winning a pile of trophies and instilling a love of nature in their children.
Marion and John moved to Sheepscot in 1970, where they became active members of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. They also continued sailing into their 80s, exploring the rivers and coast of Maine. In 1997 they moved to Schooner Cove, Damariscotta, where their favorite view looked across the river at their boat, the Green Flash, lying at anchor. Later, they moved to nearby Chase Point to receive good care in their final years.
A published and accomplished writer, Marion loved to read. She was also a passionate supporter of animal welfare. She took joy in all children, and gave enduring support to a school founded in 1974 by her daughter, Katie.
She was known and loved for her keen spirit, graciousness and her dedication to her family.
Marion was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, John Shortridge Vansant; and by two daughters, Fidelia Johnson Vansant and Katharine Vansant Thompson.
She is survived by a daughter, Susan Vansant Bartz; six grandchildren, Ranald Christopher Hobbs, Karen Fisher Paul, Shirley Bartz Miller, Krista Katharine Bartz, Katharine McGill Thompson, and Joanna Campbell Thompson; and one great-grandson, Samuel Taylor Miller-Bartz.
In accordance with her wishes, a private family celebration of Marion’s life is planned.
In lieu of flowers, friends may remember the Sheepscot Valley Children’s House, P.O. Box 449, Wiscasset, ME 04578, or the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, 27 Atlantic Highway, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
