Leone P. Vaughan

AUBURN -- Leone Plummer Vaughan passed away on May 27, 2011, while a resident at Clover Health Care in Auburn. She was just two months beyond her 100th birthday. She had been a resident there for just a year following a 10-year stay at Granite Hill Estates in Hallowell. Prior to that time she had been a resident of Manchester for over 40 years, living in her family home on Cobbossee Lake.

Leone was born April 1, 1911, to John Plummer and Lucy Hilton Plummer in Dover-Foxcroft, and was educated in that area, graduating from Foxcroft Academy and going on to Nasson institute in Springvale. Following the completion of her education, she was employed for 11 years in the office of Dr. W.E. MacDougal as a receptionist /assistant, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

On Feb. 29, 1936, she and Ober C. Vaughan were married and this marriage continued for 50 years, ending in his death in 1986. She had one son, William L. Vaughan, who survives her.

Following World War II, the family settled in the Augusta/Hallowell area, since Ober was a long-term state employee serving as the director of personnel, and for a period, was executive secretary to Gov. Burton Cross. During this time, Leone participated in several civic and social clubs in the area and worked in the dental office of Alonzo Garcelon in Augusta as a receptionist / secretary. She and Ober also renovated and restored a home in Hallowell that she truly loved. Later, she also worked for the Bureau of Taxation at the State House for several years. In the mid-50's, the family moved to the Manchester area and built a home on the lake, where they enjoyed many good times with their friends and family. Their home was open to any and all.

Leone was an active member at the Manchester Community Church, where she served as a Deacon and participated in many Christmas sales and activities of the church.

Leone was a very accomplished painter and artisan, and at one point ran a business with her friend, Sally, where she made lampshades with a cut-and-pierce method. Many family members were blessed with her stenciling and tole painting, and in her later years she was famous for making angels out of lampshade paper.

She was a life member of the Merriam Chapter 40 of the Eastern Star and was a member of the Manchester Grange, where she received the Granger of the Year designation.

She is survived by her son, William; three grandchildren and their spouses, Chris and Tracy and Matt and Sharon of Richmond, Va., and Jessica and Kevin of Westford, Mass. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, as well as by a niece, Sally, and her spouse, David; a nephew, John, and his spouse, Debbie; and a grand-niece, Shelley. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her brother, Lewis; and her grandson Greggory; as well as several friends and acquaintances. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and her friends as she cherished each and every one and blessed everyone with her presence.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Granite Hill Estates and especially those at Clover Health Care and Hospice Services whose dedication to her comfort in her final days was exemplary and greatly appreciated.

To share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with Leone's family, visit the on-line guestbook at www.thefor ingroupauburn.com.

A memorial service in her honor is being planned for later this summer at Lower Gloucester Cemetery in New Gloucester.

A service of The Fortin Group/Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Service, 217 Turner St., Auburn; 783-8545.