Obituary of Georgina H. Rayburn

 Georgina Linnea Hanson Rayburn Most don't live to be a centurion. There isn’t a Roman armyanymore, so you can't become one that way either. A Boston Post Cane recipientfor being “the Oldest [sic] resident of Bristol” was awarded to Gina at age 98. GinaRayburn died on July 22, 2021 at age 101. Gina was born March 27, 1920 in New Sweden, Maine to Ericand Naemi Hanson. She is predeceased by her husbands James and George, hercompanion, Lincoln County artist Milton Hart, two sisters Ebba and Ulla, andthree children, James, Loree, and Eric. She is survived by three grandsons,Frank Doore, George and Hudson Rayburn, a niece, Vicki Loveridge and greatnephews Bill and Craig. Gina also had cousins in Massachusetts and Sweden whoremember her fondly. Gina was a storyteller, an adventurer, and described by goodfriends as a "tough ole bird". She loved frogs, quilting, canaryglass, and bickering with her sisters. She spoke Swedish and English and hadtraveled to Sweden several times, once as a translator.Gina was first married in 1940 to John Gurney Doore. She hadher first child, James Doore, in 1943. Gina trained in medical technology andworked as a phlebotomist and physical therapist in Boston and Washington DC. Tiredof being compared to her sisters, Ebba and Ulla, in 1947 she moved toFairbanks, Alaska with her husband and young son Jimmy.Gina became an Alaskan through and through. She was amarkswoman and for many years ran her own natural foods store, Gina’s Corner,in Fairbanks and later in Damariscotta. She carried a gun as she was responsiblefor bringing the money from the Fairbanks Coop to the bank. Fairbanks in the 40swas a wild west town.  She'd walk to workevery day, while sometimes for weeks it would be -50°F or "whatever itwas."Divorced from Doore in 1950 and married to George Rayburnlater that year, she had two more children with George: Loree and Eric.She was a member of several Lincoln County churches sincethe 1970s. She lived in Waldoboro, Walpole, Edgecomb and for the last 20 years,Bristol.  She was an active member of theLadies’ Aid quilting group in Bristol Mills, as well an "HonoredMatron" in the Eastern Star in Fairbanks.She told a story that the Alaskan police came to her to askher if she had a gun and knew how to shoot. She showed ‘em from 100 meters thatshe could snipe a tin can and the officer said, "Okay, looks like you'reall set."Gina and George worked for and owned planes at Wien Airlinesin Fairbanks. She got used to flying in small planes all over Alaska.  When they could get away from work, they’d hop in a stationwagon with George’s band and hit up Alaskan event halls. George was thedrummer. Her friends would come along and it was Gina who’d make sure theydidn’t get into trouble with single men. Gina never stopped dancing. When shebroke her back giving birth to Eric, the doctor prescribed dancing and shedidn’t hesitate to heal up on the dance floor. George would always tell her,“You danced to every song!” And she’d say, “Yeah? Of course I did!”Gina had several beloved cats, especially Sara, who will havewaited up for Gina. Gina had a fondness for movies and especially those with azestful sense of humor. She took her grand-nephew Bill to see a Seth MacFarlanefilm ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’ and surprised him by laughing at allthe lewd jokes. From that they started a movie club together. Gina was generouswith her stories and time, teaching card games, investment strategies, andrecipes. Gina was an engaging and powerful personality. She will bemissed. At the same time, Gina led a life to be envied and was satisfied withall she’d done and spoke. Her stories and words will persist in the memories offriends and family. As Gina would have quipped in conclusion, it’s ‘alla sammadeg (all the same dough).’ And even though Gina’s passing is a salty soup toswallow, all of us will come to the end of our bowl. So, let’s echo what Ginaliked to recite, “Mycket god soppa, Selma. (Wary god souppa, Selma. ((Very goodsoup, Selma.)))”.  Memories and condolences may be shared at directcremationofmaine.com.