LEWISTON – Lorraine M. Dawes, 71, of East Jay, died Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the Central Maine Medical Center.

She was born, May 22, 1935, in Farmington, a daughter of, Lloyd and Mary (Bachelder) Richards. She attended Jay schools, graduating in 1953.

On Nov. 23, 1957, she married, Ernest Dawes in Livermore Falls. They made their home in East Jay while she worked in the office at Norwock Shoe until its closing, and later at G.H. Bass. She was also a former member of the Jay Fire department’s ladies auxiliary.

She enjoyed doing various crafts including crocheting, needle work, scrapbooking and ceramics. She also loved snowmobiling and especially time spent with her family, grandchildren and her beloved dog, Nikki.

She is survived by her husband, Ernest of nearly 49 years; two sons, Randy, and his wife, Bobbie Jo, of East Jay and Robert of East Jay; stepson, Lawrence of Jackman; a brother, Linwood Richards, and his wife, Gerry, of East Jay; a sister, Lois Fournier, and her husband, Roger, of East Jay; a half-sister, Leah Tibbetts, and her husband, Wayne, of Cape Elizabeth; eight grandchildren, Alan Dawes (who is serving in Iraq), Heather Dawes, Marissa McKenna, John McKenna, Dwight Brown, Derek Brown, Cheyenne Dawes and Andrea Dawes; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; three brothers, Lloyd Jr., Lawrence and Larry; and a half-sister, Pauline Craney.