1942 – 2003

LEWISTON – Dixie Lee Waligora, 61, of Raymond died Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 19, at Central Maine Medical Center.

She was born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., the daughter of George Christopher and Virginia Lee Kelley. She was educated in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., earning her GED. She graduated from beauty culture school in Newburgh, N.Y., and worked as a beautician until she married.

Since moving to Raymond, 16 years ago, she has been a local artist. She studied with Al Waterman, a renowned artist, who has said “When she paints, there is an excitement. She’s in a world of her own. Don’t stand too close. She’ll splash on you!”

She was quoted in the Casco Bay Weekly as saying, “I paint anything I want and I paint with feeling. When I’m determined and I feel strong, it comes out beautiful. I don’t ask anybody’s opinion. If they don’t like this, that’s too bad. I paint to make myself happy.” For many years, she operated a picture gallery in the Old Port section of Portland.

Survivors include her husband of 38 years, James M. Waligora, and mother, Virginia Kelley of Raymond; a daughter, Jennifer Lee Quimby and grandson, Mitchell of Richmond, Va.; a son, Joseph J. Waligora; granddaughters, Alicia of Portland and Amanda of Saco; and another son, Theodore J. Waligora; and granddaughters, Sonya and Samantha Waligora of Casco.a sister, Georgia Lee Arnt of Ridgewood, NJ.; and nieces, Laura and Cheryl; nephew, Christopher; grandniece, Jackie; and grandnephew, Sean.

She had many friends from all walks of life and loved her animals. If you ever met her, you would never forget her.