Frances Sherburne, 82, of East Boothbay, passed early the morning of May 5, 2026, in the Zimmerli Wing of St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

She was born Frances Fairley on Oct. 7th, 1943, in East Boothbay - the daughter of Mary Alice and William Fairley. Frances attended Bates College, graduating in 1964 with a degree in biology. Early in her career, she worked as a marine biology researcher at Bigelow Laboratories. During her time there, she met her late husband, Stuart Sherburne. Together they raised two children, Scott and Bill.

Frances went on to teach at the Edgecomb Eddy School as a resource teacher until her retirement in 2011.

Frances was a voracious reader and crossword fanatic. She would often take day trips to visit Ocean Point and smell the sea. Many of her years were spent graciously and lovingly caring for loved ones, including her grandchildren, mother, and husband.

In retirement, Frances spent her time volunteering locally at the St. Andrews Auxiliary Thrift Shop, attending her monthly book group, growing her tulips and rhubarb, and building memories with her family, friends, neighbors, and beloved orange cat Buddy Boy.

She is deeply loved and remembered by her two sons, Bill and Scott; grandchildren Lennon and Noah; cousins, Linda and Nancy; her best friend, Freda; and neighbors on School Street.

A memorial service will be planned for later this summer.

Frances’ family would like to sincerely thank the staff at St. Andrews Zimmerli Wing for their extraordinary care of Frances in her last weeks. They also extend their thanks to the Maine Health cardiology teams at Miles Hospital and the Maine Medical Center.