1938 – 2014

AUBURN — Jean F. Libbey, 76, of Perkins Ridge Road died in the early hours of Friday, July 4, in her home surrounded by her family. They knew she was ready to be “cancer free” again, and they let her go on to her next great adventure.

She was born on April 4, 1938, in St. Johnsbury, Vt., daughter of the late Richard A. and Alice P. Files. She was educated in Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School, Class of 1956. Jean married her true love, Douglas E. Libbey, in 1958. She then went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Maine in 1971.

While her children were young, she worked as a long term substitute at Edward Little. After they were grown, she turned her talent for sewing into a successful business, first opening The Sewing Network in Auburn, which she sold in 2004. She opened her second store, Mainely Sewing Machines, in Portland, which recently merged with a local sewing store. During her 25 years in business, she became Maine’s largest and only Premier Viking retailer. She sends a thank-you to the multitude of friends who encouraged her to begin a new career, and especially her husband, Doug, who helped her every day of their 56-year marriage and urged her to live her passions. Some of her passions included sewing, traveling, teaching others to sew and quilt, gardening, reading and spending time with her grandchildren.

Jean was a cooperator at Mechanic savings bank, she belonged to HOPE as a guide, was a 12-year volunteer at Sam & Jennie Bennett Breast Care Center at Central Maine Medical Center, and PAC member for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas E. Libbey of Auburn; daughter, Ruth N. Libbey of Northville, Mich.; son, Russell D. Libbey and wife, Elizabeth, of Auburn; and grandchildren, Rachel and Ryan of Auburn; a sister, Nan Schleich and her husband of Riverton, Conn.; and a brother, Richard Files of Greenville.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Jean’s life by visiting her guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.