1934 – 2013

PORTLAND — Patricia A. Jones, 79, of North Street in Dixfield, died Tuesday, Sept. 17,  at the Maine Medical Center, Portland.

Patty was born in Rumford, on June 17, 1934, the daughter of Arthur and Edna (Watson) Damour. She graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford Class of 1952 and from the University of Maine at Orono Class of 1956, with majors in Music and English and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Patty worked as an English teacher in Bangor and Dixfield middle schools where she developed and managed the Gifted and Talented Program for all grades for many years. She was active in the Search Light Club, the Book Club of Rumford, and the Dixfield Congregational Church where she served as church organist. She was active as a Cub Scout Leader and a Youth Program Leader at the Rumford United Methodist Church. She served as a trustee for the Ludden Library in Dixfield, during the library expansion. Patty and her family have been active supporters of the Chisholm Ski Club and Black Mountain of Maine.

She was the first recipient of the Maine Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Award. Patty also received a grant from the Margaret Chase Smith Foundation to publish her sabbatical study of the Maine Gifted and Talented Programs. She served as a winning coach for the Dirigo school’s Olympics of the Mind Competitions. Patty enjoyed landscape painting and reading when not spending time with family and friends at home or camp. At the 2013 Dixfield Town Meeting Patty was recognized as Citizen of the Year for her many years of service.

She was married in Rumford on Sept. 10, 1955, to Paul Jones of Dixfield who survives. Other survivors include sons, Scot Jones and wife, Jacky, of North Kingstown, R.I., Russ and wife, Ronda, of Fremont, Calif.; grandchildren, Bryce Jones of Fremont, Calif., Melissa Panzica and husband, Lenny, of Providence, R.I., Vanessa Coppola and husband, Robert, of Freeport, Lizi Jones of Denver, Colo., Maddy Jones of Washington, DC, Scout Jones of North Kingstown, R.I.; sister, Barbara Caliendo and husband, Ernest, of Bangor; brother-in-law, Robert Jones and wife, Dian, of Exeter, N.H.; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories at www.meaderandson.com.