OWLS HEAD — Agnes May (Sullivan) Leach passed peacefully into Heaven on January 12, 2024, at the age of 91. Her husband Louis, who passed away three months and one day before her, was there to greet her. She is
whole again in the presence of her Lord and united with her loved ones.

Agnes was born on March 25, 1932, in Rockport, to John and Lavina (McDermott) Sullivan. Educated in Rockport schools, she was a proud graduate of Rockport High School and attended Knox Business College.

It was love at first sight when Louis first spotted Agnes as she was leaving the Strand Theater in Rockland. His immediate response was, “Wow!” They exchanged wedding vows on December 24, 1951. Their union endured for 72 years, and they were rarely apart. Settling in Owls Head, they undertook the task of finishing and remodeling their home, ultimately transforming it into a cherished gathering place for four generations.

In the late 1960s, Louis and Agnes joined the Owls Head Baptist Church, a source of fellowship and their spiritual home. When declining health prevented their active participation, they remained committed to their church community. Agnes’s grandchildren remember attending church with their grandparents. They were each given four quarters for the offering plate and a roll of butterscotch lifesavers to keep them busy during the service. A member of the church choir for many years, Agnes had a beautiful voice and would often sing hymns around the house. While in memory care she loved hearing the old hymns and could sometimes even recall the tunes.

Agnes was a woman of faith and an amazing mother, grandmother and friend. She had the most beautiful smile. Even as her memory faded, she always had that smile and made sure that everyone around her felt her gratitude, joy and love. She had a way of turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. Their home was full of love and security, for their children a haven to return to when the world became overwhelming. There was a firm hand when needed, and a loving embrace always. Our parents taught us to appreciate the good and to look for the best when the not so good times came.

Family was everything to Louis and Agnes and they attended many events involving their children and grandchildren. The grandchildren remember unwavering encouragement and enthusiastic support from their grandparents. Agnes’s grandchildren remember her taking care of them when they were sick. Sometimes they weren’t really sick, but just wanted to spend time with their Nannie. Through the years Agnes always remembered birthdays and recognized special moments with cards and letters. While away at college her granddaughter recalls receiving a letter every week and always tucked in were a few much appreciated dollars.

Agnes loved the ocean and could often be found walking the beach in front of their home. She loved “supervising” her visiting grandchildren and great-grandchildren for whom Nannie and Papa’s beach was a magnet. Though Agnes’s mind and body were frail and tired, her faith in Jesus Christ sustained her. She always maintained her positive outlook and humor. Our families were blessed to have had Mom and Dad with us for so many years. We thank them for all the laughter, the love and the memories.

Agnes was predeceased by her husband, Louis; her sister Lillias (Sulllivan) Pinson; and her brother-in-law Carl Pinson.

She is survived by her brother, Edward Sullivan and his wife Pat of Houlton; daughters, Laurie Rule and her husband Charles Hill of Colorado, Elaine Prosser and her husband Kevin of Hermon; grandchildren, Janna Smith and her husband Chad of Colorado, Danica Wooster and her partner Rick Zall of Auburn, Rachel Fiori and her husband Tim of Raymond and Adam Prosser and his wife Danielle of Carmel; four great grandchildren, Addison and Lillian Smith, and Bennett and Olivia Prosser; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, her dear friend Heidi Stevens Hooper, and many wonderful friends and neighbors.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held in the summer at a date to be determined.

Condolences may be shared at bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.