PORTLAND – Patricia G. “Pat” Peary, 66, of Strong and Lakeland, Fla., died Sunday night, July 24, at Maine Medical Center, Portland, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Feb. 4, 1939, in Avon, the daughter of Lawrence and Mahla (Churchill) Gordon. She received her education in Strong and Durham, Conn., schools and was the first person in the country to complete her high school education as a non-traditional student by enrolling in school as opposed to earning her GED. She earned the honor of class valedictorian, but unselfishly passed that honor to a “traditional,” deserving high school student.

On Jan. 1, 1956, in Farmington, she married her soulmate, Stephen E. Peary. Together, they shared the joys of parenthood and raised three loving daughters.

She was a licensed insurance agent, having worked at Durham Insurance and upon returning to Maine, was employed by Currier Insurance. She later became a commercial agent and was employed at Kyes Insurance Co., Farmington.

She attended the Strong Methodist Church. Her hobbies included traveling (via motorcycle and motor home), playing bingo and card games – such as solitaire and cribbage, going to the movies, collecting teacups for her extensive collection and bowling. Ever the optimist, she always enjoyed being in the company of her family and took pleasure in the simple joys of daily living.

She was grateful for the efforts of Dr. Sweeney and the staff at Maine Medical Center, and even in the midst of her illness continued to significantly touch the lives of those who were caring so tenderly for her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Stephen, of Strong and Lakeland, Fla.; three daughters, Penny Weinstein and her husband, Michael, of Dedham, Teresa Smith and her husband, Tyler, of Chino Valley, Ariz., and Judith Peary-Adams and her husband, Wayne, of Farmington; two brothers, Harry Gordon and his partner, Gail Luce, of Strong, and Lawrence Gordon Jr., and his wife, Norma, of Wiscasset; one sister, Sandra Robinson and her husband, Perly, of Turner; a special sister and brother-in-law, Ginita and Ken Spooner of Lakeland, Fla.; six granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; one great-grandson; and two peek-a-pooh dogs, Peanut and Cinder.

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