ORRINGTON – Louise Maxine Perkins, 99, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones at her son Gerald’s home on Brewer Lake in Orrington on Sept. 15, 2022. Louise was born in Bangor on Dec. 29,1922 and will be remembered for her beautiful infectious smile, positive generous spirit, and her love for family and community. To know her was to love her and those who knew her agreed she was one of the kindest people they had ever met.

She married her sweetheart, Raymond Perkins, upon his return from World War II at the First United Methodist Church of Orrington 78 years ago, Louise was a vital and much-loved member of the church. Louise and Raymond raised three children, Gerald, Peter, and Diane, on their farm on Kings Mountain and Louise eventually became the matriarch of seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

Generous with her time at her church, Louise was a hard working farmer’s wife always finding time to volunteer: Eastern Maine Medical Center for 24 years, Meals for Me for 15 years, active in the Orrington Trail Riders, Rebecca Lodge, Cub Scout Den mother, the Grange Hall and was a Boston Cane holder for Orrington. She had a wonderful sense of humor, known for her impersonation of the comedian Minnie Pearl of the Grand Ole Opry. She was deeply religious and loved to share proverbs from the Bible, she was equally at home singing fraternity beer-drinking songs with her grandchildren. She was also known for regularly sharing aphorisms, with one of her favorites being “If the Lord’s willing and the creek don’t rise.”

Following Raymond’s passing in 2011, Louise happily resided with her son, Gerald, at his home on Brewer Lake for ten years, where she was always ready for a card game of “Up and Down the River.” She loved to sit and watch the birds in the feeder while doing crossword puzzles. She remained an avid reader until the end, including Harlequin Romance novels, though she removed the covers if she deemed them too steamy. She also continued to write with remarkable penmanship beautiful letters and cards to her loved ones well into her late 90s, and never neglected to send a thank you card. Her beautiful smile and gentle laugh will be with us forever.

Louise was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Perkins; son, Peter Perkins; brother, Vernon Smith; and three sisters, Polly Bennett, Geneva Gordon, and Glenice Sawyer.

Louise is survived by two of her children, Gerald of Orrington and partner Deb Henderson, Diane and her husband, Mickey Mallory, of Milton, N.H., Van Perkins, daughter-in-law of Gainesville, Fla. Grandchildren: Jacqueline Perkins and partner Dexter Goye, Jon Perkins and wife, Caroline, David Perkins and wife, Whitney, Jeremy Perkins and wife, Kelly, Mark Mallory and wife, Susan, Michelle Sawyer and husband, Jim, Gerald Philbrook and wife, Kim. Great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Catherine Perkins (Jon and Caroline’s), Christian, Noah, Seth, Kira, Luke, and Eli (Jeremy and Kelly’s), Linda, Cameron, Christopher, and Lauren, (David and Whitney’s), Gabrielle, Maxwell, and Annabelle (Jim and Michelle’s), Samantha and Jack, (Mark and Susan’s), Jessica and Thomas (Gerald and Kim’s). Five great- great- grandchildren. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dear friend, Freda Webster, caregivers Jen Hanger, Cindy Magliozzi, and singing Pastor David of Northern Light Hospice plus Jackie Clukey, personal caregiver.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 25, at First United Methodist Church of Orrington. After the services, friends are invited to share conversation and refreshments at the church. A graveside service will be held in late spring 2023 at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Orrington. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.

Those wishing to remember Louise may make gifts in her name to First United Methodist Church

P.O. Box 108,

14 Center Drive,

Orrington, ME 04474

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