1923 – 2015

PORTLAND — Katheryn M. Eames, 92, of Portland, formerly of Bethel, passed away peacefully on the evening of Tuesday, May 12, at her residence of Seaside Nursing and Retirement Home in Portland, surrounded by her loving family.

Katheryn was born on Feb. 28, 1923, in Reed Plantation to Ernest A. McKay and Amy R. (Moores) McKay. She grew up in Wytopitlock, graduating as salutatorian of her class in 1940.

Katheryn married Rodney E. Eames on July 4, 1942, and the adventure began. They settled in Bethel, where together they owned and operated several businesses, including a restaurant, a bowling alley and taxi service. Katheryn was quite proud of her ability to go out in stormy weather when the other drivers wouldn’t or couldn’t. Katheryn, or “Kay” as she was known to most, was an extremely hard worker, always ready to jump in and lend a hand.

Kay was an avid gardener, taking great pride in her flowers. Kay could go into the woods and find numerous plants that could be used to treat a variety of maladies. Kay was an expert with knitting, crocheting and baking, and tried her hand at many crafts.

After World War ll, Rodney settled into employment with the Portland-Montreal Pipeline and Katheryn went to work in the Bethel Town Office as town clerk, a job she truly loved.

Katheryn and Rodney had four children, Bonnie, Lorraine, Bill and Sam, all of whom were raised in Bethel until 1970, when Rodney was transferred to the South Portland tank farm. Kay went to work in the local bank, which would become Atlantic Federal Savings, and continued there until her retirement. Kay began volunteering at the cafeteria at Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she stayed well into her 80s, only stopping after injury forced her to do so.

Kay was known to many in the Portland area, and folks would often stop by the cafeteria just to thank her for her kindness. Kay was a voracious writer, sending numerous cards and letters to family and friends. She remembered every birthday, anniversary, graduation or holiday, wanting to give whatever occasion a personal touch with a card and note.

Kay was a life member of the Bethel Historical Society, Order of the Eastern Star, Mt. Zircon No. 142, West Parish Congregational Church of Bethel and Meetinghouse Hill Congregational Church in South Portland.

She is survived by a daughter, Lorraine Zimmerman and her husband, Lonnie, of Trenton, S.C.; a son, Samuel E. Eames and his wife, Pat, of Manchester, N.H.; a special son-in-law, Keith Bowden of Melrose, Mass.; grandchildren, John Woods, Glenn Bowden, Valerie Bowden, Samuel A. Eames, Kathryn Santiago and Sarah Mixon; great-grandchildren, Lara Santiago, Jackson and Sawyer Woods and Sparrow Eames; a sister, Phyllis MacKay of Springfield, Mass.; a special sister-in-law, Rachel MacKay of Bethel; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Katheryn was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Rodney E. Eames; a daughter, Bonnie Bowden; and a son, Bill Eames.

Kay was a person of deep compassion, very kind and had a special love for all children. She will be remembered by most as “The Cookie Lady” for her famous chocolate chip cookies that always came with a smile. She will be missed, but never forgotten.

Tributes and condolences may be shared with Katheryn’s family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.