Doris L. Putnum

RUMFORD -– Doris L. Putnum, 99, of South Rumford, died on April 21, 2011 at the Rumford Hospital.

She was born in Rumford on July 6, 1911, the daughter of Arthur and Agnes (Skinner) Locke. Doris graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford, Class of 1929. She graduated from the Farmington State Normal School in Farmington, Class of 1931 with her degree in education. She received Bachelors degree in education from Boston University (BU) in 1944.

Doris began her teaching career at Middle Dam, where she had only a single student. She then taught in Corinna for a short time. She returned to Rumford in 1933 to teach seventh grade in the Virginia Elementary School. After graduating from BU, she taught in the Winchester, MA school system for a year.

She returned to Rumford in 1945 to become the town’s first remedial reading teacher. She initiated Benet IQ testing into the town's school system. She taught here until her retirement in 1972.

Doris enjoyed and was well known for her cribbage playing, traveling with her husband and later with her close friend, Evelyn Charron. She also enjoyed her time and walks with her dogs.

Doris was a member of the Rumford United Methodist Church, where she was active in the Mary & Martha Club and the Maine State Teachers Retirement Association. She was a former member of the Greater Rumford Senior Citizens Club, the Mollyockett Square Dance Club, the Rumford Center Grange, and the Rebecca Lodge, I.O.O.F. She was the District Deputy Marshall of the Rebecca Lodges.

She was married in Rumford on June 24, 1945 to Francis P. Putnam, who died in Rumford on Feb. 7, 1988.

Survivors include a son, Stephen Putnam and wife, Christine of Pasadena, MD; daughters, Cynthia Sexton and husband, John of Manchester, and Elizabeth Putnam of Rumford; grandchildren, Mary Ellen Guimond and husband, Jeremy of Manchester, Julie Anna Sexton of Winthrop, Francis and Mary Putnam of Pasadena, MD; great-grandson, Aidan Guimond of Manchester; brother, Stuart Locke of Schenectady, NY; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband; and a brother, George Locke.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St., Rumford, with Rev. Justin Thacker officiating. Interment will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 8 at the Sunnyside Cemetery, Rumford, with Pastor Carol Stevens officiating. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Heart Rehab Program, c/o Rumford Hospital, 420 Franklin St., Rumford, ME 04276 in her memory.

Doris L. Putnum Photo:

Doris L. Putnum