APPLETON — Frances Louise Dailey Meservey, 92, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family, Thursday, January 3, 2019.

She was born in Camden January 14, 1926, to John Franklin and Lillian Horton Dailey, and grew up in the Millville neighborhood of Camden. She graduated from Camden High School in 1944. There she was a member of the student council, the glee club, served as senior class president, and was voted most popular.

After graduation, Fran worked in Washington D.C. as a clerk typist in the Navy Yard during World War II. Upon returning to Camden she worked for the Eastern Division Manager of Central Maine Power Company for 12 years. 

Fran and her husband Richard lived in North Appleton, Maine, where she spent each day grateful for her beloved property on the St. George River and the beauty of God’s surrounding creation. From the time she was a child she loved being with family on “Little Fang” island in Megunticook Lake.

A creative and fun-loving soul, Fran was an excellent seamstress who also enjoyed singing, reading, and writing poetry. Passionate about her faith, she spent each day in gratitude and joy for the Lord’s blessings and often encouraged those around her through her positive outlook.

She served as a teacher’s aide for 20 years at the Appleton Village School, and continued her involvement with the students after retirement through reading programs and senior lunches. She also served as secretary to the Appleton Historical Society for many years.

Fran was an active member of the Appleton Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and served terms as church secretary and treasurer. She often hosted guest speakers, missionaries, and singers for the church. She was a gracious hostess and loved to prepare meals for friends, family, and strangers alike. The Meservey family reunion was held at Fran and Richard’s home for many years.

Mrs. Meservey was predeceased by her loving husband of over 50 years, Richard Wilson Meservey, and by her sister, Ella Eugenia Dailey Laite.

Mrs. Meservey is survived by her son, Richard Alan Meservey and his wife Deborah Hoyt Meservey of Appleton; two daughters, Lorna Meservey Buccialia and her husband, the Rev. Dr. Roland Buccialia of Newtown Square, PA, and Marsha Meservey Eggert and her husband Matthew Eggert of Roswell, GA; six grandchildren, Tobias and Laura Meservey, Joy, Andrew (Brandine), Joel, and Peter Buccialia, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, January 6, 2019, at the Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m, Monday, January 7, 2019, at Appleton Baptist Church, 108 Searsmont Road, Appleton. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Appleton Baptist Church, ℅ Pauline Butler, Treasurer, PO Box 915, Union, ME 04862, or, Beverly Moody Memorial Library Fund, ℅ Appleton Village School, 737 Union Road, Appleton, ME 04862.

 To share a memory or story with Mrs. Meservey’s family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com