CUMBERLAND — Margery Coon Kepes, 87, of Cumberland Foreside, died peacefully on June 24 at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth.

She was born on Aug. 4, 1926, to Charles and Ida Coon, and grew up in Ashland, New Hampshire. Her love of the Maine coast began during childhood, when she spent weeks spent at Moody Beach in Wells and at Camp Moy-mo-da-yo in Limington.

Kepes graduated from Walnut Hill School and Bradford Junior College. In 1948, she married Joseph Kepes, a medical student. Their four children – Stephen, David, Nancy and Susan – were born during Joseph’s residencies in several states. The family settled in Rochester, New York, where Kepes’ husband practiced plastic surgery and she was active in many community activities, including the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Sunday school, scouting, the Great Books Club, a hospital auxiliary, and bowling leagues.

Kepes was first and foremost a dedicated mother. She also a Red Sox fan and an accomplished baker. Friends and neighbors especially loved her Christmas pound cake and cookie tray gifts.

In retirement, the couple divided their time between coastal Maine and Sanibel Island, Florida, where they enjoyed hosting friends from around the world. A dedicated birder, Kepes traveled to Alaska, Belize, Texas, Georgia and along the coast of Maine on Audubon trips. For many years, she also found great joy as a volunteer reading program grandmother in Ruth Stern’s classroom at the Mabel I. Wilson elementary school in Cumberland.

Kepes and her husband were married for 49 years. He predeceased her in 1997.

The love that Kepes had for her four children extended to their spouses, Carol Kepes, Marisela Kepes, Peter Jeton and Alan Hull. She was a loving grandmother to Kelly, Chris, Kevin, Eric, Hannah, Abram, Emma, Linnea and Teresa. They share a lifetime of memories and gratitude for her unconditional support.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kepes’ memory to Maine Audubon, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.

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