Maude Alice Pike York

OXFORD — Maude York, 91, of Oxford died August 23, 2011 at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway. She was born January 13, 1920 in Norway, to Agnes French and George Pike. She was a descendant of the great pioneer John French, who was one of the first settlers of North Norway, arriving in 1799. She graduated from Norway High School in 1939 as salutatorian of her class. While she was in high school she was on the basketball team. She spent many happy summers with her parents at Old Orchard Beach.

She married Maurice Edward York in 1940 and they were married for 55 years. They moved to the Webber Brook Road in 1941 and spent their lives there. Eight children were born at the homestead and her family was very dear to her. She was the happiest when her children and grandchildren were visiting with her. Mr. and Mrs. York always had a huge garden and the children remember all the canning, baking and caring she did for her family. Memories of filled cookies, donuts, molasses cookies, all the puddings and pies and let's not forget the bean suppers on Saturday nights are always shared at family gatherings. She enjoyed her flower gardens and her pets, especially the cats. The York family had many happy times with neighbors and friends Rose and Roland Young, Arline and Richard Maxim and Helen and Ron Stearns.

Mrs. York is survived by her seven children, Maurice, Jr. of Oxford, Sharlene Stefani of Dixfield, Robert and his wife June of Bethel, Raymond of Seaside, OR, Priscilla Nickerson of Oxford, Carol of Oxford and Gloria Moore of Bowling Green, KY; 11 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; nieces, Marion and her husband Hartley of Brewer and Jean McKay of Casco and nephew, Calvin and his wife Lois of Gorham. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Maurice York, Sr. and daughter, Ruth Alice Davis.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, August 31 at the Mason Township Village Cemetery. A celebration of her life was held following the service at Robert and June York's in Bethel. Donations may be made in her memory to Responsible Pet Care, 132 Waterford Rd., Norway, ME 04268. Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. On-line condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.