LIMERICK- Jacqueline (Jackie) Marie Harmon 77 of Limerick, passed away on November 30, 2023, at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford.
She was born on September 30, 1946, in Saco, the oldest of five children of Roland and Marie Paradis. She and her siblings grew up on the family farm and she graduated from Limerick High School in 1964.
On October 10, 1964, Jackie married the love of her life, Edward Harmon and they shared 55 years together.
Jackie was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She thought it was an honor when she became a grandmother at the age of 38. She was also a very caring, giving person who always saw the good in everyone. Mom accepted everyone the way they were, and she never judged anyone. She taught us to treat everyone the way that we would like to be treated.
Mom was known for her beautiful flower gardens and won many ribbons entering her flower arrangements in the flower competitions at Acton Fair.
Mom was a member of St. Matthew’s Church and during the 1980s, was very involved at church. She was a member of the Ladies Sodality, served on the Parish Council, was a Eucharistic Minister, and a 2nd grade CCD teacher. When asked recently what she enjoyed most in her volunteer work at the church, it was getting the children ready to receive the Sacrament of First Communion.
In the mid 80’s, Mom founded a women’s empowerment and self-help support group called We Care. She was inspired to create a group for women to help build their self-confidence and self-respect after attending a workshop at the spiritual center in Alfred. The group ran until the mid-90’s.
One of Mom’s greatest accomplishments was her Down East Country Music Association membership. She began her membership in 1995 and for eight years was director of the Southern Maine Division until she was elected President of DECMA in 2005. Throughout her time with them she acquired numerous awards including the highest honor that can be received, the Lifetime Achievement Award. For many years, she would make the journey with her competitors in March to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for the North American Country Music Association International competitions. For Mom, being part of DECMA was like being part of a ministry. She found music to be healing and serenity in her trips to Tennessee.
She is predeceased by her beloved husband Edward Harmon, her parents Roland and Marie Paradis, sister Rachel Hammond, brother George Paradis, and daughter-in-law Tammy Berry.
She is survived by her three children: Laurie Thyng and husband Dana Sanborn of Limerick, Carol Oliver and husband Len of Sanford, and son David Harmon of Porter. 13 Grandchildren: Carrie (Ricky), Michael, Karen (Dustin), Josh (Steph), Cherisse (Kyle), Leanne (Chris), Brittany (Matt), Jasmine, Katelyn (Ryan), Kayla, Grace, Christopher (Isabel), and Samuel. 12 Great Grandchildren: Austin, Dwight, Lily, Haleigh, Gabriel, Savannah, Carley, Olivia, Lydia, Ivy, Preston, and Brody. She was also looking forward to the birth of two new great granddaughters Leia Arline-Marie due any day and baby due in July. Her brother Richard Paradis and wife Amy and sister Theresa Paradis all of Limerick. Also, an aunt, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday Dec. 10th from 2 - 4 PM at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday Dec. 11th at St. Matthews Roman Catholic Church, Dora Lane, Limerick, at 11 AM. Burial will be at East Parsonsfield Cemetery. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the Down East Country Music Association.
In honor of our loving, giving mother and grandmother, please consider doing a random act of kindness for someone.
Fly high with your Angels, Mom! You are forever in our Hearts!