Maryanne Parsons Storer, of Nobleboro, better known as “Polly,” was born on Dec. 11, 1926 in Damariscotta. She died in her home on July 11. Polly was the daughter of Dr. Neil Lehan Parsons and Marion Albee Parsons.
All her life she loved animals and as a child she had numerous animals, including a pony named Tony and a monkey named Pinky. In her latter years, she was very dedicated to her dogs.
During her childhood, Polly would accompany her father (family physician) to visit patients in their homes. Sometimes during the winter they would travel by horse and sleigh because the early vehicles were unmanageable over the snowy country roads. She also accompanied him on excursions out to the neighboring islands; in the winter she would stay in the boat while her father and the island men would haul the boat straight up out of the water, drag it over the icebergs, and then down into the water again, until they reached the island. This always frightened her, but then she would say, “The islanders made wonderful meals for us.”
Polly attended the Castner Grammar School and graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1945. She studied fashion illustration and design at Lasell College and Jackson Von Ladau School of Design in Massachusetts. Later in life, she became more interested in sketching, charcoal, watercolor, and oil painting. She took weekly art lessons in Port Clyde for several summers with her sister-in law, Priscilla Hornberger, under the tutelage of Carolyn Wyeth.
After being married in 1949, she shared 29 years in Waldoboro with her husband Levitt Storer until his death in 1978. They had three children, Susan Storer and husband John Higgins of Camden, Alfred Storer and wife Mary Kennedy Storer of Waldoboro, and Nancy Devine of Singapore.
During her middle years, the family would go on horseback rides together, or to horse shows, or they went camping and picnicking out to Hungry Island where she would paint saltwater scenes. She was blessed with seven grandchildren, Rachel Storer Starr married to David Starr Jr., Levitt Storer, Jonathan Storer, Abigail Higgins, Nicolas Devine, Paul “Sam” Devine, and Patrick Devine. More recently, Polly was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Landon Starr and (lastly) Owen Starr.
Polly has four siblings, Patricia “Patsy” Fales of Damariscotta, and Margaret “Peggy” Cooney of Waldoboro; they were known as the three “P’s” in and about Damariscotta. Born later were Rebecca “Becky” Parsons and Neil Lehan “Lee” Parsons of Damariscotta.
In the latter years, she experienced many physical set-backs, but had a great attitude, being politically active, painting, taking art lessons, displaying her artwork in the local art galleries, and spending time with her grandchildren and family.
A celebration of her life will be held at her home at 6 p.m., Wed., July 24 for family and friends. Call 207-542-5853 for directions to her home if necessary.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Maryanne Parsons Storer may be made to Tidemark Gallery, PO Box 374, Waldoboro, ME 04572 or River Arts Gallery, PO 1316, Damariscotta, Me 04543.
