Gail Audrey Jones Richards Obituary (1936

UNION - Gail Audrey Jones Richards, 81 died November 26, 2017 surrounded by her loving family at the Sussman House in Rockport. Born July 24, 1936, she was the youngest daughter of Dr. Richard P. and Priscilla Fortier Jones. She was a 1956 graduate of Crosby High School in Belfast and was employed by Central Maine Power Company before marrying Victor R. Richards of Camden. She descended from New England's earliest settlers, including Gov. Bradford, and 26 other Mayflower passengers. Her ancestors were Revolutionary Patriots, legislators, educators, doctors, activists and some even survived accusations of witchcraft in Salem, MA. She was known to have a stoic Yankee resilience. She was a cherished mother, known to all her grandchildren as 'Nanny' and possessed a childlike and generous spirit. A resourceful woman, she once worked on a carpentry crew. She loved collecting things and was known to rescue many a discarded item from the trash heap to give it a second chance or new purpose. She owned her own resale shop in Union for a time and continued to collect items for resale with her friends in Warren. She put an artful hand to everything, especially her grandchildren. Although she maintained a lifelong residence in Union, she also resided at times in Boca Grande, FL, Cape Cod, MA, Mobile, AL and Burton OH. Her favorite place however, remained her home on Crawford Pond where she enjoyed the peace and wonder of the environment and her handmade life in Maine. Surviving are her son and three daughters, Michael Richards of Ellsworth, Linda Richards of Union, Dawn Richards of Burton, OH and Heidi Murray and her husband Les of Rockport; two sisters, Betty Brackett and her husband Stewart 'Junior' of Hampden, Mary Brown of Northport; ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff and caregivers at The Sussman House where memorial donations may be made to Pen Bay Waldo Healthcare Foundation, mail to 22 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.