Doris Claire (Trussell) Swasey passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Brunswick, where she had resided for the past few years under the care of the staff at Mid-Coast Senior Center.
Doris C. Swasey was born on June 16, 1932, to Wallace J. and Nena S. (Hassan) Trussell in Dresden, Maine. She grew up surrounded by her eight siblings. Doris graduated from Bridge Academy in Dresden in 1950, sharing her educational journey with her younger sister Clarice, who started school alongside her and remained committed throughout. Together, they not only completed their schooling but, in 1952, enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving two years stateside as Teletype Operators.
Doris lived in Florida with her first husband, W. Luther Hinote, and their son, Dale, until their divorce around 1960. She and Dale then returned to Maine, living at the family home where Doris and her siblings had grown up. Later, Doris met her second husband, Ken Swasey. They married on February 5,1974, at Ken's home, which he shared with his three daughters-Becky, Tammy, and Wanda-and where Doris and Ken would continue to live together until his passing on September 9,2010.
For 36 years, Doris (affectionately known as Dorie) and Ken cherished many adventures. They enjoyed camping in their motor home, snowmobiling, and motorcycling. One of their most memorable experiences was a motorcycle trip around the perimeter of the United States with four close friends, which included visits to family in Texas and Oregon and many other notable stops. Doris took great pleasure in gardening, especially tending the vegetable garden and raspberry patch, happily inviting family and friends to pick their own berries and enjoy the vibrant shrubs and flowers she cultivated. Doris and Ken were often at the heart of family and community events-birthday parties, dance recitals, weddings, Christmas and anniversary celebrations, or motorcycle rallies-either hosting or making every effort to attend.
Doris was a good cook, especially for desserts. Homemade apple pies were a favorite of many, along with chocolate peanut butter balls and strawberry and raspberry jams, just to name a few. She enjoyed crossword puzzles (mostly from the KJ), jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, watching Jeopardy and Wheel-of-Fortune, saving newspaper clippings of family, friends and co-workers and especially loved having people come just to visit.
Doris cherished her family. At Christmas and birthdays, she always had gifts for the children and the grandchildren. She even tried to include the great-grandchildren until the numbers got too great.
Doris was predeceased by her parents, Wallace and Nena Trussell; her husband, Kenneth Swasey; her brothers, Roland Trussell (and wife Majorie) of Pittston, and Donald Trussell (and wife Emily) of Pittston; her sisters, Barbara Everson (and husband Merton) of Dresden, Norma Mansir of Gardiner, Margie Paulsen (and husband Raymond) of Silverton, Oregon, and Pearl Golden (and husband James) of Gardiner; her brother-in-law, Clayton Taylor of Dresden; nephews Bruce Trussell, Gary Trussell, Donald Trussell Jr., David Everson; and
nieces Sandra Rochette and Joan Marston.
At the time of her passing, Doris was survived by her son, Dale W. Hinote, who was in the hospital facing surgery due to ongoing health concerns and who sadly passed away on April 18th from unexpected complications. She is survived by her sister, Clarice J. Taylor of Dresden and Winter Haven, Florida; her brother, Roger W. Trussell of Winter Haven, Florida; several nieces and nephews; three stepdaughters; seven grandchildren; twenty-two great- grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Doris was known for her kindness and caring spirit-she was the mother, sister, and aunt everyone wished for, always ready to help in any way she could. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
Doris' remains are entrusted to Kincer Funeral Home in Richmond, Maine. Graveside services will be held on July 17, 2025, at 11:00 am at Forest Hill Cemetery in Dresden, Maine, with family and friends welcome to attend.
Special thanks are extended to the staff at Mid Coast Senior Center and CHANS Hospice of Brunswick for the compassionate care provided to Doris during her stay and final days.
Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond, ME 04357