Obituary of Viola E. Cushman

VIOLA E. (SKINNER) CUSHMAN, 98 of Searsmont, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2012 at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born March 24, 1913 in Millbury, MA the daughter of George F. and Ethel (Chaplin) Skinner. Viola met her late husband, Lawrence E. Cushman Sr., at a church social and married in 1932. Together they raised 13 children. Viola not only raised her family but also worked as a seamstress for Belfast Manufacturing as well as Van Balen in Rockland. She was a member of Eastern Star for over 70 years. She was an active member of Searsmont Methodist Church where she played the organ, led the choir and taught Sunday School for many years. Viola was incredibly strong willed who always accepted and dealt with all that life presented her with a positive outlook. She was a cancer survivor for over 27 years. Viola's life was full with family, friends and activities. She enjoyed riding her exercise bike until she was 95. She enjoyed gardening, playing rummy, Scrabble with her family, crocheting and knitting. Also baking, reading, puzzle books, even at the age of 97. She received the Boston Cane award. She will be deeply missed. Survivors include seven sons, John and his wife Josephine of Searsmont, George and wife Thelma of Penacook, New Hampshire, Robert Sr. and wife Shirley of Belmont, David and wife Sylvia of New Hampshire, Stephen of Texas, James and wife Sherlene of Tennessee, Lawrence Jr and wife Nancy of Delaware; six daughters, Esther Recce and friend Donald Burckhard of California, Ruth Merrifield of Searsmont, Bertha Ruuk and husband Harold of Tennessee, Mary Baron of Belmont, Dorothy Sherwood and husband Paul of Orland, Janice Glidden and husband Reginald of Orrington, also 40 grandchildren; 76 great-grandchildren; 26 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Hesther Ryan of Searsmont and Ruth Skinner of Florida; also two special nieces, Marion Bagley of Bowdoinham and Lucille Chadwick of New Hampshire. She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence E. Cushman Sr.; her parents, George and Ethel Skinner; two brothers, George H. and Ralph Skinner; four grandsons, Dennis Cushman, Jerome and Roderick Gelo, Scott Merrifield and daugthters-in-law Esther Cushman and Trinia Cushman; son-in-law Raymond Baron. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, March 24th 11 a.m. at Searsmont Methodist Church with Pastor George Hodgkins Jr. officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. On-line condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com.