LIMERICK- It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Charline Deshaies McFarland, who died unexpectedly (told you we’d put it in) on Sunday, June 2 at her home in Limerick.
Eleanor Charline Morris was born on June 15, 1930, in Biddeford to Elsie Clegg and Charles E. Morris. She attended local schools and graduated from Biddeford High School in 1948. In October of that same year, she married Jean L. (John) Deshaies with whom she would have seven children.
In 1951, the couple bought a house on Maple Street in Limerick, Maine. It was truly their Forever Home! So many memories were made living in that community. Trips around the block were a “musts” for anyone lucky enough to live there. It didn’t matter if you walked, ran, skipped, were pushed in a carriage or pulled in a cart, rode a bike or even hopped on a pogo stick. It was the heartbeat of Life in that small and unique neighborhood so fondly known as the “Horseshoe” or just “The Block”.
After the passing of her first husband and with her children all grown, Mom began a new chapter in her life. She married Sumner (Sandy) McFarland, a fellow parishioner and active member of St. Matthew’s Church. Life with Sandy was different. They were involved with many church activities, attended social events, went dancing, and Traveled! They traveled overseas to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia. They also visited Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and many other interesting places, especially those that were on their way as the Snowbirds migrated to Florida each winter. One memorable trip was to New York City where they enjoyed sightseeing and attended “The Lion King” on Broadway.
As the years passed and Sandy’s health declined, they slowed down. Making puzzles, doing crosswords, playing games, crafting, and cribbage replaced dancing and traveling. Mom continued to enjoy these activities after Sandy passed, until her failing eyesight would not allow her to do so. The Hallmark Channel filled in providing hours of entertainment. However, her true joy came from the many visits and gatherings of her ever growing family. She Loved Family Time!
Mom was pre deceased by her parents, her husbands, and her siblings Barbara Lord, Lucille Mistos Anderson, Mildred Forster, Charles R, Morris and two infant brothers.
She is survived by her children: Denise Roux (Don), Stephen Deshaies (Linda), Ronald Deshaies (Cindy), Mark Deshaies (Lori), Lisa Nava (Tony), Jody Deshaies, Brian Deshaies (Janet); Grandchildren: Tom Roux (Mary Dee), Jeff Roux, Jenn Kelleher (Justin), Tim Deshaies (Becky), Jen Park (Andy), Jason Deshaies (Katie), Heather Charette (Dan), Chris Deshaies, Ryan Nava (Jaime), Sara Maurais (Jared), Casey Nava (Ashley), Courtney Dyer (Donnie), Tyler Deshaies, John Deshaies (Jill), and Russell Deshaies; Great grandchildren: Finn, Liam, Brady, Megan, Allison, Haley, Bode, Bryce, Riley, Cody, Kaden, Arianna, Geneva, Jacob, Olivia, Donnie, Kinsleigh, Jonathan, Jack and Teddy. She is also survived by a half-sister, Sheryl Curtis and many nieces and nephews.
Others left behind include the McFarland Clan - children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren - far too many to name! Finally, her “Block Family” who were kind, caring, and so supportive and were part of the reason that she was able to stay in her own home.
In Mom’s last weeks, her son Jody, would push her around the block In a wheelchair. She would talk to neighbors and reminisce about all the people who had once lived there and all the events that had occurred. Those trips around the block were more beneficial to her health than the multitude of pills she took. Her final wish was to take her last breath in the Home she loved, looking out at the Neighborhood she loved, and surrounded by the People she loved. The smile on her face as she began that final journey said it all. Her wish was granted!
She will be missed dearly but will live in our hearts forever!
Visiting hours will be held on Monday June 17th from 5 - 7 PM at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday June 18th at 10 AM at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, Dora Lane, Limerick. Burial will follow at Highland Annex Cemetery in Limerick. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com