1922 – 2003

Auburn – Veneita H. Learnard, 81, a longtime resident of Norris Hill, Monmouth, died Saturday, May 31, at the I.O.O.F. Nursing Home in Auburn, where she was a resident for seven years.

She was born March 18, 1922 in Saugus, Mass., the daughter of Homer W. and Mabel G. Sears Houston. She was a graduate of Edward Little High School in 1940, and went to Westbrook Vocational School (machinist), Phlebotomy training at Central Maine General and St. Mary’s Hospitals.

She married Clayton E. Learnard on June 28, 1941 in Auburn, and for many years they made their home at Norris Hill Road, Monmouth. He died Nov. 7, 1987. Recently she had resided at I.O.O.F. Home, Fairview Ave., Auburn.

She worked as a machinist during World War II at the Saco-Lowell Machine Company in Biddeford. She also worked for Chick Orchards of Monmouth, and was a part-time assististant administrator at the I.O.O.F Home in Auburn. She retired in 1986 as a secretary from R.C.A.M. in Leeds. She taught traditional rug hooking at adult education in Lewiston, Leeds and Winthrop for many years. She also was the owner and operator of Granny’s Apple Pie Bakery and was noted for cake decorating in Monmouth.

She enjoyed family history, working with art in water and oil colors. She was known for her beautiful hand hooked rugs, playing the piano and guitar. She was active in Civil Defense as a radio operator and taught ham radio.

She was Past Matron of the Androscoggin Chapter and a 50-year member of #165 Order of the Eastern Star, Past Master and 50-year member of Eureka Grange #7, Past Matron of Eureka Juvenile Grange in Durham, a member of the State and National Grange, an active member of the 4-H club, past officer of Androscoggin Mayberry American Legion Auxiliary, and a member of Fidelity Rebekah Lodge #4 of Auburn.

She was also a member of the Republican town committees of Durham and Monmouth, past presisdent of Monmouth Fireman Auxiliary, Past officer of Clan Campbell, Order of Scottish Clans, president of Monmouth Gavel Club, Matron of O.E.S., on the board of directors of D.F.D. Medical Center of Leeds, served on the board of directors of the R.C.A.M. council of Leeds, member and deacon of the Leeds Presbyterian church, secretary of the Woman’s Association of the Church, co-coordinator of the Salvation Army for the towns of Monmouth and Litchfield, served three years on the Durham School board and was instrumental in the building of the Durham Elementary School, and was a member of the Monmouth Recreation Committee.

She is survived by two daughters, Lt. Colonel Gloria Hall, RN (U. S. Army Ret.) of Buckfield, and Sue-Ellen M. O’Connor of Monmouth; two brothers, Homer W. Houston Jr. of Poland, and John S. Houston of Pejepscott; four grandsons, Jason D. Hall, Russell C. Gaghan, Jonathan D. Hall and Erik J. Gaghan; one granddaughter, Tasha S. O’Connor; two great-grandsons, Bryan J. Gaghan and Cameron J. Gaghan; and one great- granddaughter, Brooklynn N. Gaghan.

She was predeceased by a brother, Stanley E. Houston.