RANGELEY- Joyce L. Blackwell, 78, of Rangeley passed away on Friday Nov. 12, at Edgewood Rehab. and Living Center in Farmington.
She was born in Rangeley, Feb. 10, 1932, the daughter of Julian T. and Linnie H. (Ross) Blackwell. She attended Rangeley schools. She lived her life on the family farm on Pleasant Street. As a young woman she worked in the woodworking mills in Rangeley. Joyce held the first state license to operate a bottle redemption center in the state of Maine.
As a community member she was elected a selectperson in 1981. She also served on the planning board, the Park Commission, and the Sewer Commission. She was a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish. In 1996 she closed her woodshop and redemption center and retired to her farm. She spent her time reading, watching the wildlife and keeping up on town politics.
She is survived by a brother, Blaine Blackwell, of Rangeley; sisters, Julia and husband Harry Dunn, of Lake Grove, N.Y.; Donna Gammon of Andover; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; cousin Grace Campbell; friends, Stephen Philbrick and Joanne Chapman.
Joyce was predeceased by her father and mother; a sister, Alice Amy; her brother-in-law, Chester Gammon; and her dear friend Ralph Jacques.
A special thanks to the Beacon Hospice team and Edgewood Rehab. and Living Center for the wonderful care Joyce received.
A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, Nov. 22 at 11 am at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Rangeley with burial to be held in July 2011. Donations in Joyce’s memory may be made to: RRHAT Van, Town Office, 15 School St., Rangeley, ME 04970 or North Star Ambulance Rangeley Crew, 15 School St., Rangeley, ME 04970. Services under the care of Adams-McFarlane Funeral & Cremation Services, 108 Court St., Farmington, ME 04938.
