Mary Ellen King

FARMINGTON – Mary Ellen King, 98, of Livermore Falls, went to be with her Lord on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at Orchard Park in Farmington, with her daughter Kay by her side. Mary was born in Louisville, Kentucky, to her parents Vaughan Douglas Chambers and Ethel (Beeler) Chambers on April 14, 1925. Mary had two older siblings, a sister Juanita Chambers and brother, Rev. Vaughan Chambers, now all deceased. Mary was a graduate of Louisville Girls High School. Mary met the love of her life, Norman S. King of Jay on a blind date when he was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, before he was going overseas in World War II. After the war, the couple married in Louisville and then moved to Jay, Maine, where Norman worked for International Paper Company. Five years later they moved to Oak Street in Livermore Falls where they lived for the rest of their lives. Mary and Norman had one daughter, Kay, who now lives in Jay. Mary was a stay-at-home mom while Kay was growing up. When Kay left home for nursing school, Mary went to work at the cafeteria at Livermore Falls Grammar School. A few years later, Mary went to work as a dietary assistant at the Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington. She enjoyed helping people with their special diets and food choices. Mary was always known for her wonderful cooking and enjoyed hosting dinner parties and helping put on meals at church. Mary was the oldest member of the First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls. In her younger years she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Bible School. She was an active member of the Prayer Groups, Adult Fellowship, and Social Committee. Mary was also a member of the American Baptist Women’s Association. For the past few years, First Baptist has held a luncheon every Thursday at noon, called “Mary’s Luncheon” in honor of Mary. Mary enjoyed attending these luncheons and fellowship with her church friends. For many years, Mary was a member of Mt. Rackomeha Grange and New Norlands Grange. Mary and Norman spent 26 happy winters in Florida as “snowbirds”. They lived 10 years in Kissimmee and 16 years in Zephyrhills. Mary and Norman were excellent ballroom dancers and went dancing several times a week. They had many friends and enjoyed an active social life. Mary lost her true love Norman when he passed away December 2021. They were married for 77 wonderful years. Mary received the Boston Post Cane in 2022 in Livermore Falls. The Boston Post Cane is given to the oldest resident of the town. Mary enjoyed using her gold cane and telling people about it when they inquired about her beautiful cane. Mary and Kay spent every day together and Mary enjoyed going to church, shopping, and going out to lunch several times a week with Kay. Mary loved her family and was very proud of her three grandchildren. Mary, Alison and Bill and her two great-grandsons, Simon and Leonard. Mary is survived by her daughter, Kay King Watson, and husband Mike of Jay, her three grandchildren, Mary Beeaker of Portland, Alison Gingsberg and husband David of Cumberland, and Bill Beeaker and wife Amy of Monson, great-grandsons, Leonard Norman Gingsberg of Cumberland and Simon Beeaker of Monson. Mary is also survived by many nieces and nephews both in Kentucky, Maine and New England, and special niece Valerie Bernard of Jay. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and siblings. Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 30, at The First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls, 25 Church Street, Livermore Falls, Maine, officiated by Rev. Russell Thayer. Visitation will be from 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the church prior to the funeral service. A luncheon and celebration of life will be held following the funeral at LaFleur’s Restaurant in Jay. Interment in the spring at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, 100 Fayette Road, Livermore Falls, Maine.

Mary Ellen King