Harriet Celia Lancaster

FUNERAL HOME

Dan & Scott's Cremation & Funeral Service

445 Waterville Road

Skowhegan, Maine

Harriet Lancaster Obituary

Harriet Celia Lancaster
1931 - 2016
CANAAN - Harriet Celia Lancaster, 85, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday morning, Dec. 20, 2016, with her family and friends by her side. This occurred after a period of declining health at Lakewood Rehabilitation Center in Waterville.
She was born in North Vassalboro on July 11, 1931, the first child of Joseph and Philomen (Dusty) Rancourt. She graduated from Lowell grammar school in North Vassalboro and from Winslow High School in 1949.
After high school, Harriet, was employed by Butlers Department Store in Waterville. She married her hometown sweetheart, Linwood W. Lancaster, of North Vassalboro on Feb. 27, 1954. Linwood was discharged from the US Army (1956). Shortly after that, they moved to Clinton as a central location for his job with H.E. Sargent Company.
Together for 43 years, they raised their three children in Clinton. Harriet remained a housewife and mother until her youngest daughter, Karen, started school. In 1966, Harriet was appointed the town manager of Clinton. She was known as "The First Lady of Clinton". She would think nothing of going over to the town office on a Saturday morning for anyone of Clinton's finest needing her services. Harriet was recognized by the Maine Senate and House of Representatives for her 24 years of service to the community of Clinton.
Harriet was a strong, smart woman with a beautiful smile and curly locks of brunette hair. Those who knew her, never had to wonder what she was thinking. She spoke her mind and knew what she wanted.
Her family was the most important part of her life. She was happiest when her children and grandchildren visited. She loved to feed family and friends. Watching sports of any kind was a favorite past time, especially football and basketball. Harriet never missed a Lawrence High School basketball game in which her sons, Bruce and Mark Lancaster, played in the early 1970s.
She was happy spending her time keeping a clean house and doing yard work. Harriet rarely sat still, always busy. She was an avid reader whenever she did relax. She had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs.
After she retired as town manager of Clinton in 1990, Harriet and Linwood moved to Canaan, where they lived out the rest of their lives.
She is survived by her three children, Bruce W. Lancaster and partner Lisa Fowler of Vassalboro, Mark A. Lancaster and wife Janet of Oakland, and Karen (Lancaster) Thibodeau and husband Scott of Clinton; grandchildren, Justin W. Lancaster, Melissa Proctor, Nicole (Lancaster) Damren, Travis Lancaster, Dakota Thibodeau, and Sierra Thibodeau; her only sister, Helen Bronn of Vassalboro; many great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Linwood on March 18, 1997; her parents; and nephew, Keith Bronn.
Many thanks to the staff of Lakewood Rehabilitation Center for their kindness and excellent care of Harriet.
A graveside service will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery in Clinton in the spring. Everyone is invited to attend a memorial celebration to be held at the Clinton Town Hall at a later date and time to be announced.
Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott's Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing
may make donations in
Harriet's memory to the:
Somerset Humane Society
P.O. Box 453
Skowhegan, ME 04976

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Central Maine on Jan. 17, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Harriet Lancaster

11 Entries

Ted Short

February 9, 2017

It has been a long time, but Harriet always made me feel at home back in high school. My condolences to the Lancaster family.

Doig-Vigue Family

February 1, 2017

To the Lancaster family,

So sorry to hear of your loss. Harriet was a wonderful wife and mother and will be sadly missed in the Town of Clinton. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Margaret Johnston

January 23, 2017

I was so sad to learn of Harriets passing! I will always remember the younger Harriet, the one that lived life to the fullest and the one that always took the time to ask about Ernie and how things were going. We both thought the world of her and knew she felt the same way about us. I came across her card she sent me when Ernie passed. She could not attend his funeral because she wanted to remember him from the olden days before his illness. I am sure they are up there now catching up on things! It's hard to lose a Mom and the only way to get through it is to know she is not in pain anymore. Please let me know when the service in the spring will be!! I want to be there! Love you guys and think of you often.

Laurie Joseph

January 23, 2017

Karen, Mark and Bruce...Harriet was my favorite person when I lived in Clinton for 19years. She will be missed!! Love and prayers for you all!!

Sue (Dickey) DeRose diRosario

January 18, 2017

To Bruce, Mark, Karen and family, Sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She certainly was dedicated to both her family and the Town of Clinton.

Paula Potter

January 17, 2017

To Harriet's Family, I enjoyed cleaning for Harriet and got to know her quite well. When I was there I always felt bad she had to be in that scooter, but understood it was her salvation! We would always speak of the family and how everyone was doing each time I came. I just loved Harriet so much even though she would let you know what she was thinking about. I know she is at Peace now! My thoughts and prayers go out to you all! R.I.P. dear Harriet. Love, Paula

Chris Custer

January 17, 2017

We will miss your mom so much , however all her pain is now gone away . Life is too difficult when our family members are suffering, I'm thinking of y'all always . Chris Everitt Custer

Mark&Cheryl Woods

January 17, 2017

Bruce, Mark,Karen&family
I am sorry to hear of Harriet's passing. Growing up on Baker street,I remember when the fire whistle blew, we all ran to the Lancaster's, to ride to the fire with Hurricane Harriet and Cyclone Sandra. Often arriving ahead of the fire trucks.And all of those snow days, see opened the town hall gym for us. A great town manager. And a women that always told it like it was. Rest in peace Harriett!

Kathy Butler/Littlefield

January 17, 2017

So sorry to hear of Harriet's passing. She was well loved. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy and JD

Jean Massey/Woods/Poulin

January 17, 2017

Harriet was certainly a force to be reckoned with. I believe the Clinton Society Group is almost complete. Sandra, Nancy, Hester, Harriett...may you all rest in peace.

Jeff Pierce

January 17, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Harriet's passing, she has always held a special place in my heart not only as someone that was always kind and gracious to me for as long as I remember but also because of the special friendship she shared with my father when they worked together in the town office for years. she was a wonderful lady and I will miss her hugs every time I saw here. there is no question that the world was a better place when she was in it. God speed dear lady..

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