SEARSPORT — Colleen M. York, 94, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 26, 2019.  

Born in Prospect on December 17, 1924, she was the daughter of James Sumner and Clytie (George) Nickerson. Her mother and father moved to Searsport in 1927 to what used to be known as the “Nickerson Tavern” and was a life-long resident of that town.

Colleen attended grade school at the Harbor School (later called Knyvetta Hall), with Lillias Buck teaching all eight grades in the one room school. In 1942 after graduation from Searsport High School, Colleen went to work at the U.S. Army Recruiting and Induction Office in Bangor.

In 1943, she married Robert York, a soldier who was stationed in Stockton Springs then sent to Italy. Following Bob’s military service overseas, they made their initial home in Stockton Springs with their young son, James, then moved to Searsport in 1950.

Colleen worked as a clerk at the Belfast District Court in 1966. Her other employment included working at the U.S. Government Tank Farm in Searsport, Waldo County Registry of Deeds, Waldo County Probate Office, and served as a Justice of the Peace and Notary Public.

Colleen and her husband, Bob, picked wild berries, making and selling more than 30 kinds of jams and jellies for more than 60 years at their shop in Searsport.    

Active in many organizations, Colleen was a life member and past Worthy Matron of Bethany Chapter #76 O.E.S. of Stockton Springs, life member of Primrose Chapter #152 O.E.S of Belfast, and former member of Granite Grange.

Colleen was one of the original organizers, charter and life member of Searsport Historical Society where she also served as secretary for many, many years.  A former member of the Sunshine Club for Crippled Children, she was also a former member of the Community Benefit Club, Stockton Springs and Prospect Historical Societies and attended the Searsport First Congregational Church.

Colleen enjoyed studying the Civil War and was very proud of her grandfather, Levi George, who served in the 20th Maine Regiment Company K.  

She spent much time working on her family genealogy, doing crafts and was a very talented artist. For many years before Memorial Day, Colleen, placed American flags on Veteran’s graves in the Bowditch Cemetery in Searsport.

She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Robert York; two sisters, Mildred Nickerson and Hilda Weddell; and a brother, Clifton, who died as an infant.  

Surviving is her beloved son, James “Jim” and his wife, Betty, of Belfast; three grandchildren, Patricia Parker and her husband, Randy of Texas; Lisa Kelley and her friend, Kelly Bowen of Belfast; James “Jim” York, Jr. and his fiancé, Pam Larrabee of Searsport; greatgrandchildren, Cassie Parker of Texas; Maegan Moulton of Bangor; Zachary Reed of Bangor; Kristina Kelley of Belfast; Jaymie-Lynn York of Prospect; Brandi Kazarian of Winterport; Christi Mailman of Texas; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service followed by a reception will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, February 2, at the Searsport First Congregational Church, 8 Church Street, Searsport, with the Rev. Deb Arnold officiating.

Memorial gifts in her memory may be made to the Searsport Historical Society, P.O. Box 28, Searsport, ME 04974. 

Condolences may be shared with Colleen’s family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Spring interment will be held in the Bowditch Cemetery.   

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home andemation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.