M. Calista DePeter

M. Calista DePeter PORTLAND -- M. Calista DePeter went to be with her lord Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. Calista, as she was known, was born in Scarborough, the daughter of Percy and Gladys Pooler. She was a resident of Scarborough for many years graduating from Scarborough High, class of 1952. While in school she participated in many activities and was captain of the basketball team. A strong women, she was able to work at Unum, raise five children and still participate in Pioneer Girls, Head Start, Bible School, and as always staying active in the church she loved, Scarborough Free Baptist. In 1978, she moved to Florida with her husband Charlie were they ran a group home for emotionally challenged children, adopting one of the children as there own before returning to Maine and the Buxton area to be closer to family. Retiring from Unum after 30+ years and in keeping with her giving nature she and Charlie became active volunteers at the root cellar in Portland. Working with the local children making crafts, helping with the food program and running the clothing program. Her greatest love was in taking care of her family and friends. 'Always on the run' as her husband would say but whether by running errands, picking up grandchildren from school or bus stops or Knitting many gifts for the holidays she was always there helping out. She was Mom and Gram to many. She enjoyed and looked forward to the annual family gatherings both at the 'Mountain House' in Waterboro and the Thanksgiving get together at the church, which having been started by her mother, Gladys was very important to her. It was a time for hearing all the stories of the year and catching up with all the new marriages, births and meeting the new additions to the family. Calista was predeceased by her father and mother, Percy and Gladys Pooler; and Arthur Pooler her big brother who went first to clear the way, Feb. 26, 2008. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Charlie; her children, Debbie Dare and husband Hank of Buxton, Darlene Ryan of Portland, Jerry DePeter of Limington, Celeste Clarke and husband William of Buxton, Peggy Tardif and Husband Marc of Limington, Joseph Yarger of Tampa, Fla., and Johnny 'moon' Fields of Biddeford; her grandchildren, Jennifer Rowe, Kimberly Childs, Nick Dare, Ashley and Jerry John DePeter, Billy, Jessica, Christina and Jenny Clarke, Tommy and Rachael Ryan, Angela and Robert Libby, Joey and Amy DePeter; and great-grandchildren, Tyler, Kyle, Lily, Holden and expecting Olivia Calista Childs. She is also survived by four brothers, Franklin and Linwood Pooler of Scarborough, George Pooler of Fort Kent, the Rev. John Pooler of Port Crane N.Y.; and three sisters, Louise Kelly and Glenna DePeter of Scarborough and Ruth Key of Parsonfield. Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 471 Deering Ave., in Portland. To offer words of condolence to the family and sign a guest book, go to the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to: The Root Cellar 94 Washington Ave. Portland, Maine 04101 M. Calista DePeter