Obituary: Sara (Morrill) Read
Sara (Morrill) Read
PORTLAND – Sara (Morrill) Read, 91, of Portland, Maine, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, following a brief illness.
Sara was born on March 16, 1935, in Sarasota, Fla., during a brief stay by her parents, Arthur and Ruth Spofford Morrill, lifelong Maine residents. She was raised in Maine and graduated from Thornton Academy in Saco in 1953, where she was fondly remembered as a “swell girl with brains and beauty.”
She went on to attend Tufts University’s Jackson College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1957. On a lighter note, she was voted Ivy Festival Queen two years in a row, 1956 and 1957. It was there she met A. James Read, whom she later married. Following graduation, the couple moved to California where Jim attended Stanford University, and where both of their children were born.
Sara and Jim moved to Maryland in 1964, when he began working for the federal government. Always committed to learning and helping others, Sara later returned to college and earned a nursing degree, enjoying a career in a profession that reflected her compassion and dedication to others. During her years in Maryland, she also regularly volunteered for charitable causes, and went on many overseas adventures.
After Jim’s death in 1987, Sara devoted much of her time to her grandchildren, who brought her great comfort and joy. In 2003, she returned to her beloved Maine, where she enjoyed the decades that followed surrounded by family, friends, and the places she loved. During that same time, she continued her history of quietly serving the community by regularly donating time and energy to charitable Maine causes she was passionate about.
Sara had a zest for life and remained active and curious. She enjoyed attending lectures, hiking, walking Maine’s beautiful beaches, attending Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, going to the gym, reading, and attending the theater. She especially treasured dinners, outings, and laughter with her close-knit group of friends, affectionately known as “The Fab Five.”
Sara is survived by her son John Read, of Saco, daughter, Janet Hamilton, and husband Kerry, of Barnesville, Md.; grandson, Patrick Read and husband Dr. Ian Chadd. granddaughter, Stephanie Mellone and husband Thomas; and her great-grandchildren, Maxwell and William Mellone
She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Frederick Morrill of Maine, Gerald Morrill of California, and Ernest Morrill of Rhode Island.
A memorial visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, at Dennett, Craig and Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main St., Saco. Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco.
Sara will be forever remembered for her intelligence, strength, warmth, curiosity, and devotion to the people she loved. She leaves behind a family and many friends who will miss her dearly.
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