Maurine Hannaford

Kennebunk - Maurine (Evelyn Harrison) Hannaford, 81, of Kennebunk, Maine, passed away on Thursday, December 11.

Maurine was born on January 10, 1944, in Island Falls, Maine, to Walter and Shirley Harrison. She spent her early childhood in Island Falls before moving around the state with her family. They ultimately settled in Buxton, Maine, where she graduated from Bonny Eagle High School in 1962.

Maurine began her professional life as a dental hygienist. After marrying and dedicating several years to raising her three children, she returned to school and earned her bachelor's degree in education. She went on to teach elementary school in School District 6 at Steep Falls Elementary. In addition to her work in the classroom, Maurine trained as an emergency first responder and volunteered for many years in Bar Mills, serving as a valued and committed member of the local rescue unit.

Throughout her teaching career, Maurine was admired for her creativity, sense of fun, and ability to deeply connect with her students. She brought compassion and imagination to her classroom and was known for her unwavering commitment to excellence in education and in everything she did.

Maurine is survived by her sister, Margaret Ostrander; her brothers, George Harrison (Natasha Gilikson), Eric Harrison (Diane Brackett), and Michael Harrison (Christine LaChance); and several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her children, Arthur Hannaford, Amy Hannaford, and Christine Wynne (John Wynne), and by her beloved granddaughters, Madeline Wynne and Ella Hannaford.

She was predeceased by her parents, Shirley and Walter Harrison, and her brother, Mark Harrison.

Family and friends will remember Maurine for her wit, thoughtfulness, and artistic talent, as well as her gift for forming meaningful, fun-filled, and enduring friendships. Maurine had a youthful sensibility that belied her years and possessed a sparkling, wry sense of humor. She never missed the chance to deliver-or appreciate-a good pun. Maurine poured her whole heart into everything she undertook. She loved reading, music, gardening, sewing and design, and the hard work of restoring historic homes, including her longtime residence in Hollis, Maine. Above all, she was devoted to and loved her family. She dedicated much of her time and energy to supporting and loving her children, granddaughters, siblings, extended family and wonderful friends.

Maurine had a profound appreciation for the many wonders of nature. She found great comfort and inspiration in this blessing from Elliott Arnold's 1947 novel Blood Brother:

"May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into you, may you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life."

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 28, at 1:30 p.m. at The State Street Church (159 State Street, Portland, Maine), followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center or the Kennebunk Animal Welfare Society.