Phone: 207-985-2752
In Memory of
Margaret Graham Sloan "Maggie"
Calder (Russell)
Calder (Russell)
1935 - 2020
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Bibber Memorial Chapel
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Obituary for Margaret Graham Sloan "Maggie" Calder (Russell)
Margaret Graham Sloan “Maggie” Calder, 85, of Wells, died peacefully Saturday afternoon, November 7, 2020 at her residence. She was born in Johnstone, Scotland on July 27, 1935, a daughter of Thomas and Susan (Sloan) Russell. Maggie grew up in Renfrew, Scotland and graduated from Renfrew High School. Her beauty caught the eye of a young airman in the RAF in 1953. James Calder would periodically receive the local newspaper from home to keep up with football scores. In one of the editions, he saw a picture of Maggie and remembered her from the school they both attended. Although in the same class, they never communicated. James wrote her a letter, reintroducing himself, and asked her to accompany him to a movie when he was home on leave. They agreed to meet in front of City Hall. The movie was “Walking My Baby Back Home” starring Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds. They were married on December 24, 1955 and would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year.
In 1960, Maggie and James relocated to the United States. Maggie earned her LPN certification from Northeast Regional Vocational school in 1973. Following graduation, she worked at Saugus General Hospital until it closed in 1978. From there, she worked at several nursing homes and found her niche caring for the elderly.
Maggie and James loved to travel, especially to Spain. For a 17-year period, they lived right outside Malaga, Spain in the town of Torremolinos. Spain was such a special place for them.
Among all the work and travel, Maggie and James welcomed four daughters into their lives. She was an amazing baker, knitter, enjoyed sewing, and dancing. She taught line dancing at Nason College in Sanford. Maggie was a long-time member of the Congregational Church of Wells, serving on the Diaconate. She volunteered at the church-run Ditty Box thrift store in Wells.
Maggie is predeceased by her sister, Joan Woodcock.
She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, James Calder of Wells; four daughters, Leslie Cleaver and husband Christopher of Hudson, NH, Norma Leonard and husband Dennis of Peabody, MA, Lori Desimone and husband Michael of Peabody, MA, Janice Gordon and husband James of Wilton, NH; ten grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.
A public period of visitation will be held on Saturday November 14, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, Wells. In accordance with COVID 19 protocols, please wear a mask and observe social distancing. A private Memorial Service will be held later. Should friends choose, memorial donations in her name are encouraged to: The Salvation Army, 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Maggie’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com
Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, PO Box 910, Wells, ME 04090.
In 1960, Maggie and James relocated to the United States. Maggie earned her LPN certification from Northeast Regional Vocational school in 1973. Following graduation, she worked at Saugus General Hospital until it closed in 1978. From there, she worked at several nursing homes and found her niche caring for the elderly.
Maggie and James loved to travel, especially to Spain. For a 17-year period, they lived right outside Malaga, Spain in the town of Torremolinos. Spain was such a special place for them.
Among all the work and travel, Maggie and James welcomed four daughters into their lives. She was an amazing baker, knitter, enjoyed sewing, and dancing. She taught line dancing at Nason College in Sanford. Maggie was a long-time member of the Congregational Church of Wells, serving on the Diaconate. She volunteered at the church-run Ditty Box thrift store in Wells.
Maggie is predeceased by her sister, Joan Woodcock.
She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, James Calder of Wells; four daughters, Leslie Cleaver and husband Christopher of Hudson, NH, Norma Leonard and husband Dennis of Peabody, MA, Lori Desimone and husband Michael of Peabody, MA, Janice Gordon and husband James of Wilton, NH; ten grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.
A public period of visitation will be held on Saturday November 14, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, Wells. In accordance with COVID 19 protocols, please wear a mask and observe social distancing. A private Memorial Service will be held later. Should friends choose, memorial donations in her name are encouraged to: The Salvation Army, 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Maggie’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com
Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, PO Box 910, Wells, ME 04090.