MONSON — Van Durham Wentworth, 96, wife of the late George Olin Wentworth, passed away peacefully April 24, 2025, in Monson, surrounded by family. She was born January 23, 1929, in Belfast, the daughter of John Franklin and Carolyn Clay (Havener) Durham. 

Van is survived by her three sons, John Everard Wentworth and his wife, Melinda, James Wentworth, and Peter Wentworth and his wife, Marjory; five grandchildren, Matthew Brooks Wentworth and his wife, Libby, Rebecca Marchiz Wentworth and her husband, Jason Abbott-Dallamora, Hunter Olin Wentworth and his wife, Alice McGown, Oliver John Wentworth, and Taylor Michael Wentworth; two great-grandchildren, Geoffrey Duke Wentworth and Sylvie Wentworth; sister-in-law, Jean Durham; and many extended family members and friends. Special mention goes to niece Emily Jane Davis and dear friend Patricia Brown who cared for Van for many years.

In addition to her husband, George (Bill), she was predeceased by her parents and her brother, James Durham. 

Van was the Monson town librarian for over five decades, and a dedicated member of the community. Among her many talents she was an avid knitter and an accomplished seamstress, making endless sweaters and clothes for herself and others. 

Van was married to Bill, the love of her life, for almost 50 years. She offered a listening ear to family and was a confidante to many young people over the years. She spent most of her life in Maine, between Belfast, Waterville and Monson, but spent a few years out west during WWII in Montana. She loved being "Grangry" to her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and was known for her sticky buns, homemade bread, and icebox cookies. Her special athletic abilities included ice skating and log-rolling and she could throw a mean cloth napkin after dinner to prove a point.

You always knew she had an opinion, and you were certain to hear it when she said "I don't mean to be unkind, but..."as was evidenced by her high school graduation yearbook quote, "I can be as good as I please, when I please to be good." 

Memorial visitation will be held Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 1 - 4 p.m., at the Lary Funeral Home, in Dover-Foxcroft. Burial in the family lot in Lake Road Cemetery will be private for the family.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Monson Public Library, P.O Box 282, in Monson, ME.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home.

The family would love to receive letters with stories of her and her escapades, sent to The Wentworth Family, P.O. Box 283, Monson, ME 04464. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.