DAYTON — Born at home on Nov. 15, 1923 to Lila Myrtle Emmons Dawley and Charles Henry Dawley, Verna Attleson, a life-long resident of Maine, died Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014.
A Thornton Academy graduate, she married Coast Guardsman John Edward Attleson, whose commanding officer was Verna’s uncle. John and Verna settled and spent their lives together in Dayton and Verna worked several years with, and retired from, the Journal Tribune in 1985.
Devoted to her family and friends, she lived by the motto, “Always try to make every place you go better because you were there.”
She was an active member of Goodwin’s Mills United Methodist Church and Eastern Star until health issues arose, and was a 4-H leader for several years.
A talented artist, she sketched and oil-painted animals and beautiful landscapes. She was an avid reader and excellent cook. A gardening enthusiast, Verna also loved music, singing and playing the piano. Verna was active at sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting and embroidery. Over the years, she made many quilts, afghans, scarves and mittens for those in need. Love and laughter are her legacy.
She is survived by: her daughters, Aleta Attleson, and Sharon Mitchell and her husband David; grandchildren, April and Joshua and his wife Amy; great-grandchildren Zachary, Jack and Sarah; and a brother, Earl of North Carolina.
Verna was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; son, Henry; and brothers, Alvin and Sherman Dawley.
She received excellent care at Southridge Rehabilitation & Living Center.
Visiting hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014 at Seacoast Chapel, 228 Buxton Road, Saco, ME 04072. A 6 p.m. funeral service will follow at Seacoast Chapel. Arrangements are being handled by Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to: The Alzheimer’s Association, 383 US Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074 or www.alz.org. To share condolences with the family, visit www.hopememorial.com.
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