Obituary of Doris May Norwood

In loving memory of our Mother, Grand, Great, and Great-Great Grandmother, Doris May Norwood, 92, of Brunswick, passed away peacefully with family close by at Freeport Nursing home after a brief illness on Oct. 8, 2015. She has passed through the narrow gate into Heaven and is with her departed loved ones for all eternity. She was born on September 28, 1923 in Kingman ME, the fifth youngest of thirteen children to George and Adeline (Thompson) LaCombe. Doris was married to William P. Merrill Sr. of Rockland, ME, having three children. Later, she remarried H. Bruce Norwood of Spruce Head whom had three sons, and together they had one daughter. Doris worked for several years as an SPD at Knox Hospital, Pen Bay, and also worked as an interior designer at the Craignair Inn, Clark Island refinishing old furniture, wall papering, and cleaning. She was an incredible designer using multi-level color concepts. Many people throughout her life admired and sought out her talents. She was also a beautiful seamstress having learned to begin sewing at the age of five sitting by her paternal grandmother. Sewing was a craft she used throughout her life making her children’s clothing, doll clothes, and beautiful drapes. Her many talents were a labor of love, however difficult, every project was personal. Her work ethic was amazing whether cleaning summer and private homes while working full time or taking care of her family. Her unconditional love and commitment to her daughter Deborah and her grandchildren Jeremy Smith and Abigail Kelly were her main goal in life. Doris enjoyed spending time with her daughter Judith researching genealogy; also with her sisters and brother at Moosehead Lake and surrounding areas digging for Indian relic, she herself being of the Penobscot Indian decent. Another favorite was going to flea markets and antique shops. She also enjoyed collecting Westmoreland glassware. Doris is lovingly survived by daughters Nancy Benner of Waldoboro; Deborah Norwood of Brunswick; son William Merrill Jr, and wife Brenda of Bowdoin. Stepsons, Normand and Dennis Norwood; son in law, Douglas Sanborn; granddaughter, Angela & (Kent) Lawson of Blue Hill. 10 Grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter. Several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband H. Bruce Norwood; her daughter, Judith Sanborn; Stepson, Alan Norwood; brother, Lester (Red) LaCombe; sister’s, Phoebe Moody; Lorraine Dixon; and Priscilla Siefke. A private family burial will be held at V.A. Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd. Augusta, Me. Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine of Belfast, ME. The family wishes to thank Dr. Jennifer Riehl, Mid Coast Hospital, Chans-Hospice, and Freeport Nursing Home for their loving care during our time in need.