Evelyn A. Fenderson

SCARBOROUGH – Evelyn A. Fenderson, a native of Maine and long-time resident of Wells, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at her residence in Scarborough.

She was born June 6, 1926, in Biddeford, the second of Roland and Florence Hotte’s four children. After graduating from high school in 1945 Evelyn moved to Wells where she met Maurice Fenderson shortly before he began his 18-month tour of duty in the Korean war. Moe carried a 9 x 12 framed picture of Evelyn in his backpack throughout the conflict and they were married shortly after his return in 1952.

First settling in Highpine, Evelyn and Moe then moved their family, along with other members of the Fenderson clan to the Horace Mills Road near Ell Pond. With so many Fenderson families in residence, the area was soon nicknamed “Fenderson’s Gulch”. They later retired to New Hampshire where they lived in the shadow of Mt. Washington before returning to Maine.

One of Evelyn’s deepest joys was to watch their Down syndrome daughter achieve a quality of life and independence far beyond their expectations. A sheepdog for her flock, she made sure all her children (and their offspring) were well cared for. But she also had other interests and pursuits. Her work as a tour guide at the Kennebunkport Inn gave her great satisfaction, as her friendly, outgoing nature and wealth of regional knowledge made her a favorite with locals and interstate visitors alike. She and Moe were avid travellers, making numerous trips around America and overseas including more than a dozen trips down under to visit their family in Australia. She also had a love of poetry, self-publishing a book of her own heartfelt writings, “Memories of a housewife”, drawing on her own life experiences as a woman, wife and mother.

In 1985, Evelyn and Moe made a generous donation of land to the town of Wells “to be preserved as habitat for wildlife,” which was instrumental in the establishment of the George and Effie Fenderson Wildlife Commons. Through subsequent donations from other families and support from the local tax base, these parcels now total over 600 acres at the headwaters of the Merriland River and the West Brook and is a model of town conservation for its citizens to enjoy.

Over much of the last 20 years, Evelyn has been an active resident at Piper Shores retirement community in Scarborough, where her sense of humour and positive attitude endeared her to many. She especially delighted in introducing her family to everyone. Always willing to correct and guide, never afraid to share an opinion, she will be sadly missed.

Predeceased by Moe; and their daughter, Catherine.

Evelyn is survived by her brother Richard Hotte; three of her four children, Robert Fenderson, Deborah McGann, and her little angel, Mary-Ellen Fenderson, daughter-in-law, Joanne, son-in-laws Jeffery Smith and Michael McGann; her six grandchildren, Christopher Smith and wife Jessica, Jason McGann, Stephen McGann and wife Khela, and David, Jonathan, Daniel, and Laura Fenderson. Evelyn was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Charlie Smith and Anna and Elise McGann.

The family extends special thanks to the caregivers at Independent Living and the Holbrook Health Center at Piper Shores for their loving care and compassion.

A graveside service will be held at Ocean View Cemetery in Wells on Monday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence please visit Evelyn’s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Rd., Wells, ME 04090.

In lieu of flowers,

memorial donations may be made in Evelyn’s name to:

the Town of Wells Conservation Program Land Bank

208 Sanford Rd.

Wells ME 04090 or:

Waypoint (formerly known as Waban)

5 Dunaway Drive

Sanford, ME 04073