Avis Irene Haynes

WINSLOW – Avis is with her Jerry again. She left this world peacefully on April 12, 2026, four days after her 96th birthday, at peace, and deeply loved.

Hers was a life marked by love, resilience, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to family. Her presence shaped generations, and the imprint she leaves on those who knew her will be felt for many years to come.

Avis was born on April 8, 1930, in Unity, Maine. After a difficult early childhood and the loss of her mother, Ellen Stuart Palmer, she moved to Ellsworth, Maine. There she was lovingly raised by her Aunt Luella and her Uncle Ross Stuart. It was their love and support that helped shape the warmth she would one day give so generously to others.

While living in Ellsworth she met the love of her life, Jerry Haynes. They were married on June 26, 1949, and Avis happily became his wife and a member of the Haynes family. Together, she and Jerry built a home rich in love, raising their four children, Elaine, Jerry (David), Stephen, and Katherine, first in Lisbon Falls and later in Oakland, where they put down their deepest roots.

Some of Avis’ happier memories were spending time at the Haynes family cottage at Shady Nook in Trenton, Maine. This was where her husband had spent his summers growing up, and where their family was able to enjoy time with aunts, uncles and cousins.

Above all, Avis was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She liked to joke that worrying about her family was her “job” and at this she certainly excelled! She was a steady presence, a soft place to land, and a constant source of love for the people she held most dear.

Avis was a creative soul. Whether she was painting, sculpting Santas, sewing, or tending her gardens, she was always finding ways to make the world around her a little more beautiful. She loved spending time with family and friends and, in the right company, enjoyed the occasional “didge” of red wine. Avis had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for laughing at herself. She was kind, empathetic, and genuinely beloved by everyone who had the good fortune to know her.

Avis was predeceased by her husband, Jerry, mother Ellen, brothers Ross, Raymond, Charles, Albert, Fred and sister, Maxine.

She is survived by her children, Elaine and John Christopher, Jerry (David) and Barbara (Shorty), Stephen and Becky (Kimball) and Katherine and John Hapworth; her grandchildren, Nicole and Mark Williams, Staci Roberts, Erica Lombardi, Joshua Thebarge, Scott Hapworth, Ty and Micah (Bolduc), Samuel and Jenna (Posey); her great-grandchildren, Ryan, Connor, Sarah, Anna, Adrianna, Anthony, Harrison, Sylvia, Nora and Maxwell; her brother-in-law, Peter Haynes; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Avis also leaves behind her dear friends Mary and Pat Faucher, Betty Ouellette, and her “bestie” and partner in crime, Kitty Plisga. They all brought such joy to her later years.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to her nurse, Sondra, whose tender care for Avis and whose kindness toward our family meant more than words can express.

In keeping with Avis’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A private burial will be held at a later date.

She will be lovingly remembered, always.

Services are under the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at http://www.wheelerfh.com.