CUMBERLAND — Grace Paton, 88, of Cumberland-Foreside died Oct. 7,  with her daughter and son-in-law at her side.

She was born at Misericordia Hospital in New York City on Oct. 19, 1924, the only child of Barbara and Ernst Blau. She graduated from Long Island City High School in New York City with a love of reading, music, the arts and dancing.

In May 1944, she married her loving husband of 50 years, William Paton, who she referred to as “my Bill” and he referred to her as “my bride,” the love of his life. Together they danced like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Throughout their lives they maintained close friendships with the people they had known since grammar and high school. They had two daughters, Barbara and Dianne.

They built an interior decorating, upholstery and drapery business working side by side enhancing each other’s creativity. Many of their customers became devoted friends and returned 20 years later to have their homes “reinvented.” Paton loved gardening and brought joy and beauty to everything she touched. She also loved to travel. She was particularly moved by her trip to Africa after losing her husband. She also traveled to Germany, Austria and Scotland. Most recently she traveled to Alaska with her daughter, Dianne, and grandson, Tristan, in support of a leukemia and lymphoma marathon run in memory of her husband, Bill. She and Tristan were there when Dianne crossed the finish line.

Paton was a member of the Greenbush Presbyterian Church in Blauvelt, N.Y., the Women’s Guild and sang in the choir, and she choreographed their 150th anniversary jubilee. She was a member of and volunteer for the American Red Cross and the ASPCA. She had a love for animals, especially dogs, and their love for her was immediate and long-lasting.

What it took for her to endure her many challenges later in life defined her. She remained gracious, joy-filled and determined. Her courage was an inspiration to us all. 

She is survived by her daughters, Dianne M. Paton, and husband, Peter C. Moore, and their son, Tristan, and Barbara, and her son, Marl Keil; and four great-grandsons.

A celebration of her life will be held at 4 p.m. Oct. 28 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Route 88 in Falmouth.

In lieu of flowers donations in her name may be sent to Guiding Eyes for the Blind/Maine Region, Canine Development Center, 361 Route 164, Patterson, NY, 12563-9527

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