Jane L. Gillespie

Jane Louise Gillespie, 95, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Marshall Healthcare in Machias.  Jane was born to Coburn and Yola (Lane) Crosby on August 1, 1928, in Cooper where she grew up and attended local schools. 

She graduated from Calais Academy, Class of 1945 and then went on to cosmetology school. Jane ran a salon for some time before starting a family.  She married Dale R. Gillespie in Meddybemps where they raised their children and operated their farm together growing potatoes and blueberries for many years until his untimely death in 1982.  Jane was very involved with her community; she held many offices for the town of Meddybemps over the years.  She was a member of Meddybemps Christian Association where she also served as Director.  One of Jane’s favorite pastimes was spending time with her friends, playing cards as often as they could.  Jane loved to plant flower gardens and in her younger years she could be seen riding her bike on the back roads of Meddybemps.  She loved to host family gatherings at her home during all the major holidays. 

In addition to her parents and her husband Dale, Jane was predeceased by an infant daughter Debra Ann, two brothers, Dale and Dyer Crosby, and sisters Audrey and Joyce.  Jane is survived by her two children, Dennis Gillespie and his wife Christina of Cooper, and Lisa Lord and her husband Terry of Meddybemps; four grandchildren, Janna Gillespie of Calais, Adam Gillespie and his wife Stephanie of Eddington, Matthew Lord and his wife Hollye of Meddybemps and Megan Lord and her companion Andrew Seavey of Calais; great-grandchildren, Alexa Jane, Ryesen, Isaiah, Selah, Haidyn Jane, Colton and Logan; sister-in-law, Joyce Brown of Meddybemps; special niece Susan Strictland who was like another daughter to her; and many nieces and nephews.