ROCKLAND — Carolyne Mae Perkins, 90, passed away peacefully at her home, Wednesday, September 17, 2025. After 26 years, she is now reunited with her soulmate, Preston, and her girls Susan and Jeanette. Carolyne waited patiently for ‘the good Lord to take her home.’

Carolyne was born March 1, 1935 on the family farm in Warren, the daughter of Merrill and Evelyn (Moody) Payson. She attended Warren schools and was a 1953 graduate of Warren High School.

She was raised on Riverdale Stock Farm, the third eldest of ten children. Farm work was hard and each child was expected to help with daily chores. This is where she gained her strong work ethic and the importance of working together.

Carolyne met her soulmate, Preston Perkins, when he asked her to a dance. The two were married on April 2, 1960 in Rockland. Preston wanted to be married on April 1, but Carolyne was adamant she would not be married on April Fools Day. Their marriage was a true partnership. Preston adopted Carolyne’s three girls, and they went on to have two more girls. Together they bought a home in Rockland where they lived until Carolyne’s death.

Carolyne worked most of her life in local restaurants. She began at Newbert’s Restaurant in Rockland, followed by the Thorndike, the Red Jacket, The Helm, and A Touch of Class (owned by her daughter Kathy and son-in-law Lonnie Morton.) When that restaurant closed, Carolyne worked at Chez Michelle in Lincolnville. Her last job before retirement was as secretary at Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church where she was a member for over sixty years.

Not only did she serve as secretary, she was also a trustee, a board member, leader of Vacation Bible School, and gave often to the both the church and the Christian school. She was truly a Christian in every sense of the word, beginning each day with prayer, bible reading and daily devotions.

She was a talented seamstress and loved sewing. She made quilts for every member of her family and many to donate to church auctions. A trunk at her home contains an assortment of quilts she made for any babies born after she’s gone. If you have a ‘Nan’ quilt, you are part of an amazing family. Carolyne also enjoyed doing puzzles and reading. Her grandchildren remember her for camping adventures and the summer camp week at Crawford Lake.

She leaves behind a multitude of memories and lessons for anyone that had the pleasure of knowing her. Her wisdom, inspiration and kindness will forever be imprinted on our hearts.

Carolyne will be forever loved and remembered by her huge family, including her daughters Kathy Morton, Julie Bemis and her husband Mark, and Lori Feener; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; her brothers William, Robert, Gerald, and Andy; one sister, Patty Weaver; many in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, Preston; her daughters Susan Kohls, Jeanette Laverdiere; her brother Richard; and three sisters, Faye, Phyllis, and Marilyn, as well as many in-laws.

Carolyne’s family would like to extend a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to Cody Roberts, for being with her until the end, also, to Jeremy Young, the ‘go-to’ grandson who was there day or night whenever she called. The kindness shown will never be forgotten. She loved and appreciated you both.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 1 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A reception will follow at Carolyne’s home in Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church, 1 Waldo Avenue, Rockland, Maine 04841.

To share a memory or condolence with Carolyne’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.