SABATTUS – Edward W. Jillson, 83, a resident of Sabattus, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home, on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. He was born April 23, 1940, in Lewiston, the son of Edward B. and Kathleen M. (Savage) Jillson.

Ed was educated in the Sabattus schools and enjoyed playing basketball for coach Leupold. After leaving high school he married his lifelong partner and friend, Patricia Mason of Litchfield, on Feb. 27, 1959. Having four children together Colleen, Scott, David, and the youngest Katie Jillson.

Ed was an avid trapper and made a good living running trap lines in the fall when wild fur prices were high. He was a builder, building two log cabins from raw logs he cut and peeled by hand. One cabin became a year-round home. He also worked for Albany Felt and later for Sabattus schools as a custodian and bus driver. Ed and Pat sold their home and other properties to purchase the Winnifred Splain farm. Becoming the proud owners of what was to become The Jillson Farm. Pat at Ed’s side, they made their living off the land, planting gardens, running his sawmill, beekeeping for honey, and gathering maple syrup to sell in their farm stand on the banks of Sabattus river. Even with the responsibility of running the farm, Ed still found time in the fall to set a few traps for muskrat, mink, coon, and fisher along the banks of his favorite river, the Sabattus, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing when he got the chance. He loved sharing his knowledge of farming and gardening to anyone in need. Edward was a proud member of the Maine Maple Producers.

Edward is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Jillson of Sabattus; two sons, Edward “Scott” Jillson and partner Lawrene Jones, David Jillson and wife Sandra all of Sabattus, two daughters, Colleen Jillson of Sabattus, Katie Jillson of W. Roxbury, Mass.; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Richard Jillson and wife Brenda of Sabattus, and sister-in-law Diana Jillson. He was predeceased by his parents, and a brother, Charles Jillson.

Messages of condolences may be made to: www: finleyfuneralhome.com

A graveside service and interment at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Sabattus, will be announced in the spring. Arrangements by BRAGDON-FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 707 Main Street, Monmouth, Maine.

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