Doris Elaine Watkins

AUBURN, Maine – Doris Watkins 88, passed away on Monday, April 7, at the Odd Fellows’ and Rebekahs’ Home of Maine. Daughter of Elmer and Gladys (Littlefield) White, Doris was born in Auburn, Maine, on May 6,1925. Doris graduated from Edward Little High School in 1943. Upon graduation she worked at the Auburn public Library for 7 years. On May 21, 1950, she married Alfred Earl Watkins, her husband of 57 years. In 1950, Doris and Earl started a family business, Quality Dry Cleaners, in Mechanic Falls, Maine and operated it for 16 years. After inheriting the Minot Avenue Laundromat from her parents they moved their family to Auburn. She was a Girl Scout leader and volunteer trainer for many years, she was actively involved in the Minot Center Grange, a member of the Mayflower Society, and a member of the United Methodist Church. She enjoyed creating the perfect moment as her subjects waited and waited for her to focus and click! She loved being with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her hobbies included dog sitting, plastic canvas, and cards. She is survived by a daughter, Jane Piela and husband Carl of Lisbon Falls; a daughter, Sharon Johnson and husband Darryl of Otisfield; a son Edward Watkins and wife Sandy of Norway; eight grandchildren; Steven Piela, wife Kristen and sons Jacob and Zachary (great-grandchildren) of New Gloucester; Kathryn Kenny, husband Scott, and sons Brady and Kyle (great-grandchildren) of New Gloucester; Andrea Piela of Lisbon Falls; Brendon Johnson of Charlestown, MA; Corey Johnson, wife Colleen, and son Parker (great-grandchild) of Charlestown, MA; Garrick Johnson, fiancé Gabrielle Bellegarde of Otisfield; Katelynn and Christopher Watkins and step-grandsons David Anderson and Richard Hodge of Norway. She was predeceased by her husband, Alfred Earl Watkins and two sisters; Mildred White and Phyllis Mitchell. You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Doris' life by visiting her guest book at: www.thefortingroupauburn.com

A celebration of the life of Doris E. Watkins will be held on May 2, 2014 at the United Methodist Church, 439 Park Avenue in Auburn, Maine at 5:00 p.m. Beginning at 4:00 p.m. The family will be at the church to greet family and friends. Directly following the service the family invites everyone to join them in a celebration dinner. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Doris E. Watkins to the United Methodist Church, 439 Park Avenue Auburn, Maine 04210 and the Odd Fellows’ and Rebekahs’ Home, 85 Caron Avenue Auburn, Maine 04210. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn 783-8545.