LEWISTON – Lorayne L. Gordon, 62, of Strong, passed over in the early morning of July 12, at Central Maine Medical Center after a courageous three-year battle with leukemia.

She was born Sept. 11, 1942, the daughter of the late Maxell and Louise Dunham of Avon. She was educated in Phillips schools, graduating in 1960.

She worked for Farmington Shoe Co., until their closing in the mid 1980s. She later furthered her education, graduating as a registered nurse in 1995. She worked at Strong Nursing Home until her illness forced her to leave the job and “second family” she truly loved.

She lived for the enjoyment of her family, which included Missy and Gizmo, her Siamese cats. Her fondest memories outside family times, went out to camping and fishing at Mooselookmeguntic Lake. She also enjoyed watching her plants grow and watching NASCAR on TV.

She is survived by her husband, Larry, of 45 years; a son, David Gordon and his wife, Patti, of Avon; a daughter, Dori Reed and her husband, Kerry, of Strong; four granddaughters, Sabrina Gordon of Strong, Erica Gordon of Phillips, and Jessica and Amy Reed of Strong; two brothers, Clark Dunham of Machias, and Bruce Dunham and his wife, Mary, of Avon; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her immediate family would like to send thanks out to all of their friends and family members in the community, as well as the wonderful doctors and nurses on M1 at CMMC and FMH, for the love and support they provided Lorayne throughout her long “journey.” She was very loved by many and her kind ways will be sadly missed, but never forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to have known her. She is at peace now, her wings are spread and she can now fly like a free “Birdie.”