Obituary of Jane Purcell Cushing

Born March 23, 1931 in Bangor, Maine.  She arrived by taxi on April 18, 1931 at the Laura Purcell’s Hospital and since there were no papers with her they named her Jane.  The only woman she knew as her mother was Laura Purcell.  When she was old enough to go to school, Miss Purcell contacted her biological mother to obtain guardianship so Jane could go to school without paying tuition.

She attended Valentine Elementary School, Pond St. Elementary School, Fifth St. Junior High and Bangor High School, graduating in 1949.  She faithfully attended St. Mary's church on Cedar Street. In the 6^th grade, she was trained in airplane identification for foreign planes, specifically German and Japanese planes.  This was a special honor to be in that training program. When she was 12, she wanted to do something to support the war effort, so she formed with her friends under the guidance of Mrs. Halley, “The Originals”, who met each Monday to plan fundraisers and awareness campaigns.  They did a variety of things such as making bandages for the Red Cross and collecting contributions on Tag Day.  The group eventually raised enough money to name an ambulance after Hannibal Hamlin.  The group had a Saturday morning radio spot where her friend Leonora played the piano, Jane sang and Mrs. Halley, their sponsor, told them about her many antique clocks. 

In high school she participated in many activities; helping with decorations for school proms, Junior. Classical Society, played inter-mural sports such as basketball and volleyball competitions and Junior Exhibition.   She was a volunteer in the Ground Observer Corps and swerved on the High School newspaper.  She attended a training school in Tyndall AFB in Florida. She attended the University of Maine where she studied Business and Nutrition and was in a play on ice.  She transferred to Husson College where she graduated in 1951 with a Jr. Secretarial Degree.  At Husson College she played on the women’s basketball team and was coached by Clara Swan. 

She worked for Gulf Oil and Eastern Corporation.  She was highly active and an executive leader of the following clubs: Altrusa International, Bangor Garden Club, Beta Sigma Phi, Junior League, March of Dimes, Peony Society of Maine, President Republican Women's Club, Republican Women's Committee, Shakespeare Club and the Sunshine Club. Jane also volunteered with the Boy Scouts and read to the blind, as well as volunteering at St. Joseph's Hospital. 

She married her husband and partner in life, Andre E Cushing Jr, who predeceased her in December 2013. They had 3 children and many friends who they enjoy spending time with in various pursuits. She and her husband developed and ran Cushing's Allagash Gateway Campground on Ripogenus Lake where they cleared and operated a boating marina and 35 campsites.  She drove the Caterpillar D-3 bulldozer and her husband drove the John Deere tractor. 

She leaves two sons; County Commissioner Andre Emerson Cushing III and his wife Gwen of Newport, Maine, Vincent Webber Cushing and his wife Heidi of Windham, Maine, and a daughter Laura Ann and her husband  David McIntyre of Hermon, Maine, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren; Grace Cushing Martin and her husband Trae of Land O' Lakes, Florida, Brittany Noel Bachelder of Elmira, N.Y., Andre Emerson Cushing IV and his wife Heather of Lisbon, Maine and Gerald Crommett Cushing of Hampden, Maine, Hayley Faith Cushing of S Portland and Jacob Webber Cushing of Windham, Maine and great grandchildren, Sadie Jane, Clifford Walter “Ford”, Emmie Rose and Clayton  Andrew Martin of Land O' Lakes, Florida, and Andre “Emerson” Cushing V of Lisbon Maine.

We her family, extend our deepest gratitude and thanks to a very special person in her life, Jo Cookson, who graciously cared for her during the past few years of her life. She was a constant and faithful caregiver but also a very dear friend. Jane & Jo had a bond that they shared on many levels. Jo’s family opened their homes and hearts to provide extended love and support to Jane and we are forever grateful to them for adding this special lady to their lives and know they also share loss. During her later years at Jo’s her cats and family pets also brought joy and comfort to Jane as her ability to get out and move became limited.

In respect for Jane’s wishes a graveside memorial service with committal will be held 11:00 AM Monday July 18, 2022 at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Bangor. Those attending should gather at the cemetery office, State St. entrance. at 10:45 AM.

“Pilgrim Song”

Mom is lonely by birth, man is only a pilgrim on earth

Born to be king, time is but a temporary thing

Only a loan while on earth.

Like the wind in the tree, man has been rather reckless and free

Thrown far and wide, he longs to settle down beside

The stream flowing through eternity.

Like the grass on the lawn, he will pass by the way and be gone,

A lesson to learn, we walk but once there's no return

Time is always moving on.

Man is longing for one, for a song and a place in the sun,

A home up above where ev'ry day is lived in love

For rest when the journey is done.