Gisela (Klessen) Dearborn, 77 of Richmond died at her home in Richmond on May 30, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born may 11, 1935 in Berlin, Germany the daughter of Otto and Anna Klessen.

She was a graduate of Berlin High School class of 1953. She met her future husband Lawrence (Larry) Dearborn in 1954 and was married in Berlin on May 29, 1956.

She was a two term past President of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 132 of Richmond and also Kennebec County American Legion Auxiliary.

She was employed in different nursing homes in Maine and the former Etonic Shoe Shop. She traveled throughout the world and many states while her husband served in the United Sates Army.

After Larry’s retirement, in 1973, Gisela went back to work as a nurse’s aide. After her retirement, she joined the work force again as a part time greeter at Sam’s Club in Augusta.

She was a member of Dresden-Richmond United Methodist Church. She was an avid supporter of the troops. She cherished the time with her husband by attending as many parades and welcoming the troop’s home from the war. She was very proud that they were able to raise and donate many thousands of dollars for the veterans and the Maine Army National Guard. She also was a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, attending most of the funerals of active duty service men from the war zone.

She was very proud of the fact that she has made hundreds of mittens and hats for the children and also to the many organizations that she donated them to. Many mothers will remember her generosity for the baby hats, sweaters, mittens and blankets that she made and donated to them.

The veterans in the Veteran’s Home in Augusta will not forget the many times that she got the Richmond high school students to assist decorating the home or for the band and chorus that she got to perform for them before Christmas for many years. She and her husband were inducted into the High School National Honor Society for their involvement with the troops and students. She was a veterans’ veteran.

:She was predeceased by her parents: a brother, Paul Klessen a sister Christina Tellschaft and a daughter, Christine Anna.

She is survived by her husband Larry of Richmond, four sons Lawrence Jr. and wife Danette of Washington state, Charles and spouse Kathy of Richmond, Thomas and fiancé Lissa Madore of So. Gardiner, Mark and wife Heather of Ft. Worth, Texas and two daughters, Rose Beckwith and husband David of Richmond, Ann Dearborn, of Damariscotta, a special grandson Ryan Dearborn, 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be Sunday June 3rd, from 2-4 and 6-8 at Kincer Funeral Home. Services will be Monday June 4th, at 11am at the D.R.U.M. church Richmond. Burial will take place at the old Veteran’s Cemetery on Civic Center Drive Augusta at 1pm.

Following burial at 3pm, a celebration of her life will be held at the American Legion Post 132, Carding Machine Road, Richmond.

In Gisela’s memory, donations may be made to the Beacon Hospice, 54 Atlantic Place, So. Portland, ME. 04106.