Obituary of Ethel May Ayres

Dover-Foxcroft- Ethel May Ayres, 87, passed away April 17, 2018, in Dover-Foxcroft.  She was born November 30, 1930, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of George and Anna (Wilfong) Ayres of Doon, Ontario.  She attended area schools and was a 1952 graduate of St. Mary’s School of Nursing Kitchener, and was a registered nurse in Canada, where she had been employed in psychiatric nursing. Ethel moved to Maine with her husband in 1955, and was married until 1984. She became part time caregiver to two grandchildren, who brought her much joy, and was employed as hostess at Thistle’s Restaurant in Dover-Foxcroft for several years.

Volunteering with different agencies gave Ethel great satisfaction, and was one way she could show her love and caring for others. She was one of the founding members of Pine Tree Hospice, and continued as a very active volunteer for many years. In 1999, she was awarded a Maine’s 100 Certificate signed by Governor Angus King, “In Recognition Of Outstanding Achievement And Dedication To Community And State Through Volunteerism And Community Service.” Ethel was a longtime member and faithful worker of the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church, U.C.C.

Out of doors, and with nature were Ethel’s favorite places, and she particularly enjoyed hiking vacations in England and Scotland, and biking and camping in Canada and U.S.A.

Ethel is survived by her son, William Sherman of Carrabassett Valley; her daughter, Elizabeth Perkins and her husband, David, of Dover-Foxcroft; grandson, Daniel Perkins and his wife, Cassandra, of Woburn, Massachusetts; granddaughter, Anna Dolbeare and her husband, Justin, of Dover-Foxcroft; she was “GG” to her great-granddaughter, Autumn Mae Dolbeare; brother, James Ayres; sister, Jane Ayres; five nieces; a nephew; and many cousins in Canada.

A Celebration of Ethel’s Life will be held 5-7PM Friday, April 27, 2018, at the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Her cremated remains will be scattered in the St. Lawrence River where it runs between the two countries she called home. Ethel greatly enjoyed reading, and those who wish may make donations to the Thompson Free Library, 186 East Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine 04426, or to Pine Tree Hospice, 883 West Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine 04426. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.