Obituary: June Frances Meserve
June Frances Meserve
BIDDEFORD – June Frances Meserve, 98, died on Oct. 27, 2026. She was born on Feb. 28, 1928, in Chicopee, Mass., to the Reverend William and Mrs. Ada Gunter.
After graduating from Watertown High School, June attended the University of New Hampshire for a year before transferring to Bryant and Stratton Business School. She then became a secretary in the athletic department at Northeastern University, where she worked for several years. She would remain a loyal fan of NU teams for the rest of her life.
June met Robert Meserve in the summer of ’45 in Ocean Park, Maine. In 1951, they were wed and went on to spend 71 years together. Their marriage was anchored by steadfast devotion to their family, church and community.
June moved to Reading when her father became minister of the Old South Methodist Church in 1946. For over seven decades she was an active member of the church. She served as president of the United Methodist Women, was leader of the Dorcas Circle for many years, and often played the piano for chapel worship services. She also played regularly for worship services at the Daniels Nursing Home, declaring jauntily that she was going to play for the “old folks” when she herself was an octogenarian.
For 20 years June worked as a teacher aide in Reading, first at Prospect Street School and then at Barrows, becoming an invaluable resource to teachers in both schools. She was an excellent cook whose Sunday dinners in particular were epic. She loved picking berries and made pies, cakes, and jams. Her family learned to expect deliciousness and was never disappointed! In summertime June taught craft classes in Ocean Park. An artistic and creative person, she excelled at wood painting, calligraphy, knitting, and other crafts. Using an antique sewing machine and steely determination, she made everything from dresses to hats to Halloween costumes. She also enjoyed gardening, reading, visiting the seashore (especially Ocean Park), and most importantly spending time with family and friends. Her joyful spirit and ready laugh endeared her to all.
June was predeceased by her husband, Robert, and her son-in-law, Oscar Demiranda. She is survived by her son David and his wife Maria of Scottsdale, Ariz., son Mark and his wife Linda of Merrimac, Mass., daughter Loretta and her husband Jon of Kennebunk, Maine, daughter Nancy of Biddeford, Maine; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family is grateful to the staff members of Atria Senior Living in Kennebunk and St. Andre Health Care in Biddeford for their kindness and compassion.
A private burial service will be held at Forest Glen Cemetery in Reading.
Arrangements are made by Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main St., Saco.
In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made in June’s name to:
Old South United
Methodist Church
6 Salem St.
Reading, MA 01867
Copy the Story Link
