Edith F. Kearney

    Fort Fairfield – Edith F. Kearney, 91, wife of the late Ralph G. Kearney Sr., passed away peacefully, Sunday morning, March 16, 2008, at her Fort Fairfield residence. She was born May 30, 1916, in Four Falls, N.B., Canada, the daughter of James and Beryl (Wolverton) Rix.     She attended Four Falls, N.B. and Fort Fairfield schools and was married to Ralph Kearney on July 30, 1932. Mrs. Kearney owned and operated a dog grooming service in Fort Fairfield for many years, attended the Bethel Baptist Church, Fort Fairfield and was a member of the Sunshine Senior Citizen’s Club, Fort Fairfield. She enjoyed bingo, crocheting afghans and loved her animal friends both wild and domesticated.  
    In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Ralph in 1974; one son, William O. Kearney; one daughter, Lois Haines; two brothers, Harry Whitaker and Walter Holder; two grandsons, Paul R. Kearney and Ralph Kearney III. Mrs. Kearney is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Ralph G., Jr. and Mary Kearney of Sanford, Robert J. and Janet Kearney of Winter Haven, FL, Richard P. and Elise Kearney of Easton; three daughters and sons-in-law, Judith A. and James Alderdice of Woodstock, GA, Sara E. and Barry Davies of New Britain, CT, Linda I. and Charles Steinhardt of Brooklyn, NY; one brother and sister-in-law, Karl and Alda Holder of Caribou; numerous grandchildren, great- grandchildren and great-great- grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Edith will be fondly remembered by a special friend, Anna Lee Webb of Fort Fairfield and special grand-daughters and caregivers, Vicki Kearney of Fort Fairfield and Carol Francis of Easton.  
    Friends may call 7 – 9 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m., Thursday, March 20, 2008 at the funeral home with Rev. Mark Babin officiating. Spring interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will be held at the VFW Paul Lockhart Post Number 6187, Presque Isle Street, Fort Fairfield, immediately following the funeral service. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Edith to the Central Aroostook Humane Society, 26 Cross Street, Presque Isle, 04769. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
    “Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on the ripened grain. I am the gentle Autumn’s rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry: I am not there, I did not die.”