Iris D. Fields

AUGUSTA – Iris D. Fields was born May 19, 1936 in Dover-Foxcroft to Rev. Daniel and Grace (Hall) Downs and was one of six siblings.

She studied at Barrington Bible College before attending New England Conservatory and graduating with a bachelor’s in Music Performance with a concentration in Piano. Iris later earned her master’s in Education during her music teaching career at China Elementary School, where she taught for many years. After retiring from China Elementary School, she worked for the Department of Defense as an on-base middle school teacher at Yokota Air Base in Japan. While a teacher for the Department of Defense, Iris developed an acute appreciation for the many challenges and sacrifices made by U.S. service members and military families which reaffirmed her lifetime advocacy for their unique needs and for U.S. Veterans.

Iris then returned to her roots and was hired to teach Elementary Music at her original hometown school in Harmony. Iris restarted Harmony Elementary’s Instrumental Band program via winning two financial grants, being the first one in Maine to receive VH-1’s “Save the Music”, quickly followed by the “Oak Grove Coburn” grant.

Iris eventually retired to Brunswick, but remained musically active and viable throughout her remaining years, including being the Music Educator at St. John’s parochial school in Brunswick.

Many will remember the countless choirs, performing ensembles and church groups Iris was involved in, including starting a singing ensemble (with her as conductor/accompanist) at her Sunnybrook retirement facility.

Iris, “Mum”, “Brahmmie” peacefully passed into the arms of her Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Oct. 27, 2025 at the Glenridge facility in Augusta. The family is deeply grateful to both the Sunnybrook facility in Brunswick and the Glenridge facility in Augusta for their comprehensive care, communication, and compassion throughout the last years of Iris’s life.

Iris is survived by her two sons, Loren Fields and wife, Anjelika, and Mark Fields and wife, Samantha; as well as granddaughter, Dakota (Fields) Ryder and grandson, Darius Fields and their spouses.

A musical “Celebration of Life” service is being held at the First United Pentecostal Church on 15 Wilson St. in Augusta, on Saturday, March 28, at 10 a.m. with a reception immediately following the service. Please feel free to RSVP if able to attend, by emailing Loren at [email protected] or this link on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/887000160982402/

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home website, http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com