SANFORD — Aura A. Maynard, 96, of Sanford, passed away on Thursday at her home, under the care of Southern Maine Hospice.

Aura was born in South Grafton, Mass. on Dec. 30, 1917, a daughter of the late Joseph and Aurore Maynard.

She attended local schools.

After the loss of her parents she went to work for the Raytheon Company in Newton and Quincy, Mass. She retired from the Bedford branch after 38 years of service with the company.

Aura was a gentle, caring, loving and generous woman. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family in Massachusetts and with her friend of 62 years, Gerry Pelletier, and her family. Between the two families, she had many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, whom she loved dearly. She also loved animals, her dogs especially. She was an avid fan of the Patriots and Red Sox and watched their games faithfully for years.

Aura was preceded in death by: her brother, Joseph Maynard; nieces, Linda Quartulli McGrath and Linda Maynard; and nephew, Bruce Quartulli.

She is survived by: one sister, Olive Quartulli; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Hospice was very helpful, and the family is grateful to all those who helped Aura in these last few months.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 27 at 11 a.m. at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church. Visiting hours will be from 9-10:30 a.m. that morning at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter St., Sanford. Burial will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations in her memory to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074.