MECHANIC FALLS — Dixie Lee Piper, 81, of Mechanic Falls, died peacefully at her home on Saturday, Feb. 7.

Born Dixie Lee Elliott, she grew up in Mount Holly Springs, Pa., a place that remained close to her heart all of her life. She married Carroll H. Piper on April 4, 1954, and moved to Poland, where they lived for the majority of their 60-plus years together.

To know Dixie was to know she loved her home state of Pennsylvania, her family and friends, creating all things arts and crafts, her camp in Parkman and serving her community.

She was devoted to all aspects of Poland Community Church for 60 years, and later in life served as a lay minister for the United Church of Christ, a calling she deeply loved.

Her professional career began as executive assistant to the superintendent of the local regional school district and ended with H&R Block and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, where she also served as a volunteer.

Her next of kin includes her husband, Carroll H. Piper; daughter, Karen Piper and her husband, Andrew Lintz; son, John Piper and his wife, Holly; grandson, Joshua Gallop; and great-granddaughter, Ellise.

In addition, she was surrounded by an extended group of family and friends in both Maine and Pennsylvania, all of whom brought great joy to her life.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.chandlerfunerals.com.