Faris Evelyn (Henderson) Fletcher

NEW VINEYARD – On Nov. 7, 2024, we bid a temporary farewell to Faris Evelyn (Henderson) Fletcher, a wonderful and beloved wife, mother, grammy, Me Maw, friend and a child of God who passed from this earthly world into God’s embrace. To be with her Lord for all eternity.

Faris, 89, passed away peacefully at Orchard Park in Farmington. Born in Rangeley on Nov. 25, 1934, the daughter of Francis and Christine (Haines) Henderson. Faris dedicated her life to her Lord, her family, friends and community, embodying the virtues of a great mom and a loving wife.

Faris grew up attending Rangeley and Stratton Schools and graduated from Stratton High School. In her teen years she worked summers at various sporting camps in Eustis (Kibby camps) and in Rangeley. When their family was young and times were tough, she went to work to make ends meet. She was always willing to jump in and give that extra helping hand. Her early career involved working at Stratton Manufacturing and Foster Manufacturing. Later moving to New Vineyard, her and her husband Wayne, co-owned Maine Wood Turning, Inc with his brother Earl and his family and grew it from nothing into a successful business that gave many in the area employment. Later, she pursued her passion for beauty and style by earning her beautician’s license, which brought joy to both her life and those she served.

On her 18th birthday in 1952, she married the love of her life, Wayne (Buddy) Fletcher, a friend of her brother George. Their 72 years together shows deep love and care for each other. Together they enjoyed life’s adventures hand in hand, both hard times and good times, raising 6 children and always having an open house for those in need. Her family was always very important to her, she loved large gatherings when all would come and be together.

Throughout her life, Faris was an avid enthusiast of various hobbies. She enjoyed many outdoor activities like fishing (usually catching the biggest fish), traveling and exploring new places in their motorhome, and expressing her creativity through tole painting, crafting, and knitting. Her garden, especially her cherished rose bushes and flowers, was a testament to her love for nature. She loved to play board games and cards; she was quite the competitor. She and Wayne had a float plane where many trips were enjoyed, to camp, Alaska, Labrador, and many other places. She was his beloved co-pilot.

Faris was a devoted attendee of the Mountain View Bible Church in New Vineyard, where she worshiped alongside her husband, Wayne, and formed lasting friendships within the community.

She is survived by her loving husband, Wayne; her brother, Morris Henderson of Rangeley; her children, Debra Robbins of Deer Isle, Douglas Fletcher and his wife Lauralee, Gerald and his wife Jennifer, Bryan and his wife Francine, Danny, and Jody and his wife Cindy, all of New Vineyard; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Faris was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Robert, George, Lee, and Ray Henderson; her sister, Ellen Lizotte; her son-in-law, Andrew Robbins; and daughter-in-law, Sandy (McArthur) Fletcher; and grandson, Wayne.

The whole family gives a special thanks to Orchard Park and Andwell Health for their compassionate love and care.

A funeral service and Visiting Hours will be at the Gospel Light Baptist Church, 268 Barker Road, New Vineyard, Saturday, November 16. With respect for the family, a private immediate family viewing will take place at 9:30 a.m., with open visiting hours at 10 a.m., and the funeral service to begin at 11 a.m. Refreshments will then be held in the church dining area, with a graveside service to follow, located at Pratt Corner Cemetery in New Vineyard.

Faris will be remembered for her life well lived and the love she spread to all who knew her. Her legacy will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, Maine, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at http://www.dsfuneral.com.