Obituary of Doris Carrier O'Kane

Brewer—Doris (Carrier Sage) O'Kane, 87, passed away at home Dec. 12, 2017, after a period of declining health. She was born in Rumford on October 30, 1930, the youngest daughter of Leo and Blandine (Fisher) Carrier.

She graduated from Stephens High School, Class of 1947. She married Wilfred D. Sage in Rumford on August 5, 1950 after which she settled in South Portland for a time. After being widowed in 1955, a career in cosmetology began which started as a way to support herself and two children, and ended with her being the go-to for family and friend's kitchen hair care. Doris married widower James Bernard O'Kane and his two children on July 19, 1958 in Rumford and it wasn't long before the blended family of six grew to eight with the birth of a girl and boy. Doris' life centered on raising their six children. There was skiing in the winter and later on, summers at Littlefield Beaches, which became after 50 years of "camping", a second family of lifelong friends. The family moved to Brewer in the summer of 1967 and Doris lived there until her passing. Throughout her life, Doris was known for her easy disposition, ready laugh, and ability to accept her circumstances. Her naiveté at times made her endearing. Life's experiences made her independent, unafraid to speak her mind, and decisive in her actions.

She was predeceased by husbands Wilfred D. Sage and J. Bernard O'Kane; daughter Elizabeth (O'Kane) Harvey; sisters Jeanette White, Irene Fisher, and Anita Perry. Doris is survived by daughters Ann (O'Kane) and husband Geoffrey Picard and Denise (Sage) and husband Brien Richards; sons James and wife Linda O'Kane, Greg and wife Roxanne Sage, Matthew and wife Sherri O'Kane; 11 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caretakers who have watched over Doris the last two years: Leslie St. Louis, and Kim, Spencer, and Emily of Dignity Care. A special thank you to Doris' niece, Gerryann Bernard, who has been a loving presence and helpmate.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM, Monday, December 18, 2017, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 531 North Main St., Brewer. All are invited to a reception in the church hall following the Mass. Burial will take place 12 PM Tuesday, December 19, at Maine Veterans Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sarah's House, 346 Main Rd., Holden, ME 04429 Messages and memories may be shared with the family at kileyandfoley.com

Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer.