PATRICIA "PAT" HARRINGTON
SANGERVILLE - Patricia "Pat" Harrington, 76, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on May 4, 2003, after a long illness. She was born Feb. 24, 1927, in Guilford, the daughter of Elisco "Tote" Harrington and Beulah Ferris. She grew up in Cape Cod, Mass. and Auburn. She graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn, Bliss Business College in Lewiston, and Thomas College in Waterville. She and her husband, Ivan Higgins, owned and operated Harrington Variety Store in Sangerville from 1959-1966. She taught school in several Maine schools, including Skowhegan, Thomaston, Scarborough, Milo, Howland, Greenville, and Guilford. She also taught in Houston, Texas. Because of her love for children and passion for learning, she continued to teach at PCHS in Guilford until her recent illness. She was involved in town affairs throughout her life including being a member of the Sangerville Civic League, the 150th and 175th Anniversary Planning Committees for Sangerville, and a founding member of the Sangerville Historical Society in 1989.

She is survived by two daughters and son-in-laws, Debbie Higgins Diehl and James Diehl of Hampden, Lisa Higgins Fortier and Robert Fortier of Sangerville; two very special grandchildren whom she adored, Patrick Ivan Diehl and Ian Robert Fortier; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be especially remembered by her life-long friends, Lawrence "Jake" and Arlene Jordan. Pat was predeceased by her three siblings, Thomas "Tom" Harrington, Beverly "Pam" Ellis and Janice Harrington. She was also predeceased by her favorite "spite and malice" card-playing partner, Ivan Higgins, in November 2002.

Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at the Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, 21 Oak St., Guilford. A private burial service will be in the Sangerville Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sangerville Historical Society, P.O. Box 284, Sangerville, ME 04479. The family wishes to extend its thanks to Community Health and Counseling, Pine Tree Hospice, Dr. Lesley Fernow, Mayo Hospital's Oncology Clinic, and the many friends and neighbors who provided support during her illness.