She was born Pearl Louise McKay on March 20, 1916, in Presque Isle, daughter of Hilyard and Dora McKay. She graduated from Newport High School, class of 1934.
In 1939, she married Niles L. Perkins of Augusta. He became a medical doctor and practiced in Portland, Bingham, Bath and Rumford. They made many lifelong friends during that time. Dr. Perkins died an untimely death in 1971. She then went on to study art at the Portland School of Art and continued to paint through out her life. At age 53, Pearl became employed by LL Bean’s and retired in 1992.
In 1985, Pearl married Ezra Stevens of Bowdoinham. They enjoyed many years fishing and boating on Merrymeeting Bay. In 1992, they moved to Caratunk, to enjoy their retirement on a mountain overlooking the Kennebec River. They spent many winters in Bermuda.
Pearl lived life to the fullest and had friends of all ages. She loved cooking and entertaining and made her home a welcoming place for friends and family. Her love of life was reflected in her colorful and exciting artwork. She will be sadly missed by her family and everyone who knew her.
Survivors include her daughter Bunny Caldwell and husband Peter of China Village; son Niles L. Perkins and wife Martha of Saco; stepchildren Morgan Gryskwiczs and husband David of Standish – three children, Zachary, Nicholas and Emily, and Ezra Stevens and wife Kim of Standish – son Ezra; grandchildren Linda Thurston and husband Brian of Cumberland, James Grant and wife Amy of Belfast, Katherine Hossler of Newcastle, Matthew Perkins and fiancé Lori Raftis of Saco, Elizabeth Perkins of Saco; great-grandchildren Benjamin Thurston and fiancé Melanie Haiss, and Megan Thurston of Cumberland, Zoe Grant of Belfast and Molly Perkins of Saco; nephew Dennis Smith and wife Susan of Centerville, MA.
Pearl’s family and friends want to thank the staff of Moonlight Bay at Lakewood for the wonderful care she received. She was treated with respect, compassion and love by everyone there.
Memorial donations in tribute to Pearl may be given to the Lakewood Continuing Care Activity Department, 220 KMD Waterville.
A celebration of Pearl’s life life will be held in the spring in Caratunk. Please join us to share stories of her generous and long life, the date & time will be announced later in the spring. Arrangements are by Giberson Funeral Home, 18 River St. Bingham.
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