The York Weekly

Betty A. Ford, 90, of Cape Neddick, died Tuesday, August 30, 2022. She was born at home in Wilmot, NH, on February 20, 1932, the daughter of Crosby D. and Alice E. (Bixby) Ford and spent her early childhood in Wilmot until the family moved to Maine at the start of World War II. Betty graduated from York, ME, high school in 1949, where she shared top honors with her brother. After earning her bachelor's degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1953, Betty went on to the Yale School of Nursing from 1953-1956, where she was awarded a Master's Degree in Nursing. After her Yale graduation, she was first employed at the Visiting Nurse Association of New Haven, CT and later worked at Boston...

Wagner, Elizabeth Lillian (Betty), 96, of Seminole, died peacefully April 21, 2022 at home. Born in Medford, Massachusetts, Betty grew up in Lawrence and Methuen and graduated from Searles High School where she was a majorette. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lillian Reed Vost and husband, Richard Wagner (Dick). Betty is survived by daughter Janet Anschuetz and grandson Cameron Anschuetz. Her family moved to Florida after graduation and she settled in St. Petersburg. She married Dick in 1945 in San Diego, CA while he was serving in the U.S. Navy submarine service. They spent winters in St. Petersburg and summers in York Beach on the Maine coast where they became part-owners of The...

Joan (Lyell) Keech, 94 of Greenfield, Ma. died January 23, 2022 at Charlene Manor Healthcare. She was born on August 18, 1927 in Fall River, Mass. the oldest daughter of John W. and Ann (Redfern) Lyell. She attended Fall River schools and was a graduate of Fitchburg Teachers College, now Fitchburg State University. In 1949 Joan married Rev. William T. Keech and along with their 3 daughters they served parishes in Hopkinton, NH West Acton, MA. Greenfield, MA. and Wakefield, MA. Joan was a tireless advocate for immigrants and refugees. She taught Adult Literacy and ESL classes until the age of 80. She and Bill retired to York, ME. where the spent over 20 years and where they were members...

South Berwick, ME-Ray passed away November 3, 2021. He was born November 29, 1951 in South Hampton NY to Tom and Barbara Bennett. As a child, he his sister Anita, and parents moved many times but he spoke fondly of his teen years in Amherst, MA. He obtained an Associate Degree in business at G.C.C. and started Frontier Heating and Cooling Co. with his father. Ray obtained his Master Plumber License as well as many other professional certifications. He prided himself in learning his trade. After selling his company and a move to Maine, he worked at Haley's Metal Shop in Biddeford and Anchorage by the Sea in Ogunquit. Ray married Ruth Filipkowski and had a daughter, Allison. They lived many...

Sayre Meredith Youngs, Jr., 92, of Topeka, Kansas, formerly of York Harbor, passed away Friday, May 29, 2020. His wife, Sheila (McCann) Youngs, preceded him in death on November 30, 2012. Survivors include four children, Sayre "Brad" Youngs, Springfield, MO; Stuart (Valerie) Youngs, Kansas City, MO; Tamara (Scott) Crider; Meredith (Craig) Preisner, all of Topeka, KS; three step-children, Christopher Maloney, and Timothy Maloney, Portsmouth, NH; and Deanna (Tim) Rancourt, Enfield, ME; five grandchildren, Meredith (Mike) Harold, Overland Park, KS; Raeley Youngs; Mackenzie Crider, both of Lawrence, KS; Bradley Crider; Victoria Alejos (Cody Stephens), both of Topeka, KS; twin...

Gary James Kennedy, 44, passed away peacefully at Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages, FL after a brief battle with cancer. He passed with his loving wife by his side. Gary grew up in York, Maine and went to York Schools followed by Colby Sawyer College. He was always regarded as a kind and generous person who was friendly to all. He was quick to joke around with friends but was also the guy right there when times were tough. He loved New England Sports teams, the smell of fresh cut grass, mountain biking, spending time at the beach, and being with friends and family. He was a loving father to his son Michael and daughter Zoe, and lifelong love and best friend to his wife Kate. Gary is...