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Doris Fairfield Homer

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Doris Homer Obituary

Doris Fairfield Homer SCARBOROUGH -- Doris Fairfield Homer died March 7, 2009, at Piper Shores, Scarborough. Doris Fairfield Homer was born Sept. 1, 1910, in Portland, to George O. Flaws and Clara Mary Knudsen Flaws. She graduated from Deering High School 1928 and from Forsythe Dental Hygienist School, Tufts University 1929. Doris worked for Dr. Woods and Dr. Barker before marrying Donald Piper of Portland on Oct. 31, 1931. They ran a chicken farm together in Scarborough until Donald's death in 1943, after which Doris carried on with the farm. In 1946, she married Charles L. Homer, a nephew of artist Winslow Homer. They ran the farm together for a few more years, and Doris returned to dental work in the public schools. Charles died in 1955. Doris became a real estate broker and established her business, Doris Homer Real Estate, in Prouts Neck, Scarborough in 1958. She retired from real estate in the mid 1990s and thereafter devoted all her energies to keeping alive the life of Winslow Homer through tours of his studio at Prouts Neck. Doris was active in the Elizabeth Wadsworth Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for over 75 years. She was a board member of the Animal Refugee League for over 50 years, President of the Women's Council of the Portland Board of Realtors, and Director and Vice President of the Portland Board of Realtors. In addition, Doris served on the Board of Trustees of the Portland Players, the Board of the Portland Society of Art, the Board of United Community Services, the Board of the Prouts Neck Association, and the Women's Committee of the Portland Symphony Orchestra; and was an active member of the Longfellow Garden Club and the Women's Literary Union. She was a proud fan of the Portland Pirates, which honored her with her own jersey. Doris leaves a daughter, Patricia Adams and son-in-law Josiah Adams of Scarborough; four grandchildren, Lesley Craig, George Perry, Sarah Osgood and Margaret Osgood; three great-grandchildren, Edward and Emilie Craig and Jordan Bliss Perry; three step-grandchildren, Peter, Charles and W. Bradford Willauer; and two nephews, Donald and James Flaws. A celebration of Doris's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Portland Museum of Art for the Winslow Homer Studio Restoration Fund and/or the Animal Refuge League in Westbrook.

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

Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Mar. 10, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Doris Homer

17 Entries

Marcia Risbara

March 30, 2009

Doris was the consummate Grande Dame. I always felt awed in her presence, and I appreciate all that she did for women, in Real Estate especially. She had the panache of a movie star. We will miss her wry comments and her elegant hats. Rest in Peace Doris. Our condolences to her family. We can only hope to leave an impression such as she has on so many people.

Theresa Jordan

March 22, 2009

Mrs. Homer as I was introduced to her some 57 years ago - she was my dental hygienist at OOB School St School and a beautiful woman indeed. Over the years we ran into each other at various events Portland Pirate Games as she would arrive in her beautiful blue plaid coat, hat and with a flash of excitement to see her team play, at the voting booth, and at Hannaford. One of my fondest memories is 9 years ago when she took a group of us on a special tour of Winslow's Studio. She was a treasure and her legagy will live on.

Stephen Seames

March 16, 2009

A Great Hat, a hearty Laugh and a sincere and kind no nonsense woman. When I was a young curator at the MHS, I was invited to become a male member of the Longfellow Garden Club.. She was encouraging in that telling me[ the "girls" needed a man around time to time." ]
I appreciated her candid responses to the work of the Garden Club and later her interaction with the Sons of the American Revolution of Maine.. We will miss her smile laugh and, oh yes, those Hats..!!

john buffington

March 13, 2009

From "One Dane to the other," with much great laughter around the kitchen table, "You're my favorite Dane."
God Bless you, Dori,
John Buffington

vicky buffington

March 12, 2009

On behalf of the Churchill family, we would like to send to Doris's family our deepest sympathy with Doris's passing.
Dorie, you are a gem to my family, and we will always cherish our days of travel, visits,.. our friendship.
God's great peace to you.

Brenda Whitney

March 12, 2009

We were all at our monthly Women's Council of Realtors meeting yesterday when the announcement was made that Dorris had passed. It was a sad moment but then we all began to tell stories of Doris's exciting life. What a wonderer she was; a woman full of energy and expression. The stories flew for a quite a while. We ended the meeting with her and a smile on each of our faces. We are thankful for all the time she shared with many of us and our orginization over the years. I wonder which hat she has on now...

Paula Jalbert

March 12, 2009

I met Doris when I moved to Cape Elizabeth in 1979. She was instrumental in helping me to rent a lovely cottage in Kettle Cove. I have never forgotten her indomitable energy. I was just asking a mutual friend about her yesterday. He called today to let me know of her passing. She was a treasure! My sincere condolences to her family & friends

Pat Rabidoux

March 11, 2009

I can remember a winter Women's Council of Realtors meeting a number of years ago at the Portland Country Club. It was snowing and the driving was tricky. I left early from my home in Yarmouth and was first at the meeting. The door hardly closed behind me when Doris arrived. I couldn't believe she'd driven up from Prout's and beat everyone else! Getting to know Doris, I guess it shouldn't have been a surprise. She was such the individual. I don't think meetings ever were the same without her.

Susan Payzant

March 11, 2009

Doris was a stand-out at all Realtor events with the beautiful hats that really were her "trademark". She shared her home several years with the Women's Council of Realtors by hosting our Christmas event. One spring, she took us all on an unforgetable tour of Winslow Homer's studio. We shan't see her likes again.

Lynn Pierce

March 11, 2009

My mother Becky Stoddart lives down the hall from where Dory lived and they often ate together. I always enjoyed seeing Dory - what a character and a beauty. She made me laugh and I will really miss her when I visit Piper Shores. I am glad I had the opportunity to meet and spend some time with her. What a great lady.

George Geyerhahn

March 11, 2009

Doris was always great to me and my brother, Gordon. I have very fond memories of her and shall miss her.

She was a wonderful gracious lady who will be missed by all who she touched.

Gordon Geyerhahn

March 11, 2009

Patty,

My thoughts are with you at this time. As you know, your mother was very good to George and me and we both have always felt close to her. We had many wonderful times with her both at the farm and at Prout's Neck. We will fondly remember Doris.

Bruce Libby

March 10, 2009

Prouts Neck will not be the same
without Doris Homer. A lady of class who was respected by all who
knew her for her ability, honesty,
humor,and friendship.I'm proud to say she was a friend to the Libby- Googins families.

Terri Rimkunas

March 10, 2009

I sat next to Doris at the hockey games the last few years she attended. She was a wonderful woman and always had a story to share with me. I am very sorry to hear of her passing. She will be missed.

Mark Clark

March 10, 2009

Doris was a lady of class, she always carried herself with grace and poise. She was a good friend of my parents and spent many a night in our living room during Town Meeting times. She was a fixture at "Prouts" and kept it accessible to the us locals. She will be missed.

suzan norton

March 10, 2009

Doris was a treasure. I recall when I was employed at Kaler School, our librarian arranged a visit from Doris Homer. She brought an artifact, a navigation tool, which was used by Winslow Homer for one of his paintings. She spoke about his work with passion and put a face to the artist.It was an extraordinary visit. I will always remember her. My prayers are with the family.

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