Obituary of Myra Jean Selmer-Larsen

FREEDOM — Myra Jean (Kimball) Selmer-Larsen, 94 of Freedom, died August 17, 2016 at home surrounded by her loving family. Born March 3, 1922 in Pittsfield, she was a daughter of Jefferson B. and Florence Nightingale (Heap) Kimball of Old Town and Warren. After graduating from Winthrop High School, she attended the University of Maine at Orono and graduated in the Class of 1944. At the University of Maine, she met Johan Selmer-Larsen, Jr. of Marblehead, MA. They married in 1944. After his discharge from the Navy, they moved to Marblehead. In 1948, the couple settled in Rockport at Beauchamp Road where they lived for many years. Jean was an organist at various churches in Camden for many years and a professional singer. She was president of the Rockport Garden Club. She loved gardening, nature, classical music and nonfiction reading. Surviving are her daughter Kristin Cook of Orland; her sons Johan Selmer-Larsen III and his wife Joan of Freedom, Kimball Selmer-Larsen and his wife Lipika of State College, PA; her grandchildren Peter Orne of Belmont, MA; Kaare Copetas of Washington, DC; Stewart Chaffee of Wellesley, MA; Jennifer McKinley of Lewiston, ME; Larz Selmer-Larsen and Jocelyn Hawrylchak of Pennsylvania; great-grandchildren Sarah McKinley, Anna Copetas, Clara, George and Pippa Chafee, Oliver and Jackson Selmer-Larsen. She was pre-deceased by her parents and her sisters Barbara (Kimball) Larlee, Elizabeth (Kimball) Langlois, and Ruth (Kimball) Lord. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Because of Jean’s love for birds, those who wish may make donations in her memory to Avian Haven, c/o 418 North Palermo Rd., Freedom, Maine, 04941. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com.