She was born January 22, 1918, in Phippsburg, the daughter of Charles H. and Jane ( Wallace) Koehling. She grew up attending Phippsburg and Bath schools. In her youth she earned money by harvesting sea moss in Sebasco. She married Harold Kenneth LaPierre in Portsmouth, NH in 1935. Mr. LaPierre died May 7, 1995.
The LaPierres resided in Portland and in 1948 moved to Freeport, continuing to enjoy summers in Sebasco with family. Dorothy worked as a shoe stitcher for Davis, Eastland, and Freeport Shoe, finally retiring from L. L. Bean in the early 1980s. She was a spiritual woman who was an active and devoted church member. She and her husband were instrumental in forming The Church of the Nazarene in both Freeport and Brunswick. She served as the Sunday School Superintendent and was once selected as the state Sunday School Superintendent of the Year.
Dot enjoyed gardening and canning. Her creativity shined in her handicrafts and music. She loved knitting, sewing and quilting items, which were usually donated. She taught herself to play the piano and organ, occasionally playing at church.
She was also a longtime, enthusiastic member of the church choir. She was handy with tools and successfully did many projects around the home, one time even relocating the kitchen to another room. She also enjoyed visiting and fishing at Lake Moxie. Dorothy’s greatest joy, however, was spending time surrounded by her children and their families. Her affection and appreciation was always known, when in her presence.
She was predeceased by brothers: Bernard, James, and Linwood Koehling; sisters: Edna Raymond, Minnie Koehling, Geneva Seigars, and Eva Wallace; and son-in-law David Hagar. She is survived by sons: Harold and his wife Virginia of Epping, NH, Philip and his wife Donna of Durham, ME, David and his wife Diana of Zephyrhills, FL; daughters: Patricia Hoeffner and her husband Ed of Edgerton, MO, Margaret (Peggy) Sallee and her husband Max of Broomfield, CO, Beverly Hagar of Pownal, ME; nineteen grandchildren, several great grandchildren and great- greatgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their warmest thanks to the staff of Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth, for their kindness, concern, and care of Mrs. LaPierre.
Visiting hours will be Friday, Dec. 2, 6 – 8 p.m. at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick, ME.
The committal service will be Saturday, Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m. at Burr Cemetery, Durham Road, Freeport. The memorial service will be at 12 p.m. at the Brunswick Church of the Nazarene, 94 McKeen Street, with a reception to follow.
Contributions may be made in memory of Dorothy to the Brunswick Church of the Nazarene, 94 McKeen St., Brunswick, ME 04011.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
