Myra Carter Clunie, 91, of Damariscotta, passed away peacefully on Feb. 4 in the company of her family at Cove’s Edge nursing home. Born Myra Carter Simmons on June 22, 1920 in Passaic N.J., Myra was the daughter of John and Hester Simmons and the older sister of K. Rogers Simmons.
She was raised and educated in Great Neck, N.Y., and attended Hofstra University. Her family summered in Round Pond and later Jefferson where they owned a farm on Punk Point for some 60 years and where Myra could exercise her passion for horses. It was during one of these Maine summers that she met the love of her life, Frederick Bailey Clunie of Newcastle. Myra and Fred were married on April 28, 1943 in Hanover, N.H., while Fred was finishing up at Dartmouth College and shortly before he left to serve in the Pacific during WWII with the U.S. Marine Corps. While Fred was at war, Myra worked for NBC in New York City, an experience she always spoke fondly of and with excitement.
Myra and Fred started their family in Houlton in 1948 where Fred taught school and their son Jeffrey and daughter Barbara were born. Myra was left at home again when Fred was recalled to the Marines in 1951 to serve in Korea. Upon Fred’s return, the family settled in South Weymouth, Mass. where they had their second son Richard in 1954. The family later moved to Danvers, Mass.
Upon Fred’s retirement from education, Myra and Fred realized a life-long dream and retired back to their beloved Newcastle in 1984. In retirement at their home on the Sheepscot River, Myra continued her long time support of the American Red Cross, raised dogs, was active with her husband in the Downeast Wildlife Woodcarvers Association; painted the carvings created by her husband, and supported the Second Congregational Church of Newcastle, all while doting on her six grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Frederick; and brother, K. Rogers.
Myra is survived by children, Jeffrey and Faith Clunie of Medfield, Mass., Dr. Jan and Barbara Clunie Kiviniemi of Newcastle, and Richard and Kathryn Clunie of Newburyport, Mass.; grandchildren, Wesley and Andrew Kiviniemi, Lindsay, Lesley, Paige and Hope Clunie; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Memorial service will be held in Newcastle in April at the Second Congregational Church at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a scholarship fund for students studying geriatric nursing to Cove’s Care Fund, c/o Miles Development Fund, LCH Development Office, 35 Miles St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
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.
