Obituary

Jennie E. Weeks

Mon, 05/23/2016 - 3:15pm

Jennie E. Weeks of Wiscasset, died on the evening of April 3, 2016 at the age of 94.

She was born on October 12, 1921 in Damariscotta, the daughter of Lawrence and Evelyn Bryant. She attended schools in the area and graduated from Lincoln Academy.

In 1943, Jennie became the wife of Allan H. Weeks of Wiscasset. The Weekses knew the Sortwell family well, and when the Nickels-Sortwell House in Wiscasset was donated to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, they became involved. Jennie started as resident overseer and guide at the 1807 sea captain’s house in 1958, and remained involved until her death.

Every season, an American flag flies from the balcony and beautiful flowers bloom at the front of the house. This is when Jennie would sweep through the beautifully furnished rooms with such pride, knowledge and affection, as she led thousands of visitors from around the world through the house, always weaving stories about previous residents who had made the house their home.

Jennie’s little touches like the fresh flower arrangements that she did daily for each room is what made the house come alive to visitors. She used to say of the house, “I love it just as much today as I did on the first day when I opened the door and said, ‘welcome to the Nickels-Sortwell House, won’t you come in.’” And she did for 58 years.

Jennie and Allan traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada. She was a member of the Wiscasset Garden Club, enjoyed antiquing, was an avid reader and a member of the Congregational Church of Wiscasset. Jennie was also a member of the Navy League, served on the board at her friend George McEvoy’s Railway Village in Boothbay, and served on many other boards and committees too numerous to mention.

Jennie was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Col. Allan H. Weeks, Maine State Police, (Ret) in 2008; her sister, Shirley West; and brothers, Philip and Floyston “Bo” Bryant.

Jennie is the mother of Capt. F.A. Weeks, USN (Ret); mother-in-law of Virginia (Fairservice) Weeks; grandmother of Kashin and Ethan; and sister of Helen Nyboe. She will not only be missed by her family, by also by her many friends from all over the country. She also leaves behind her much loved niece, Sandy Butler, and several nephews.

At Jennie’s request, there will be no funeral. Interment will be private at a later date, in the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Maine State Police Scholarship Fund, 45 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0042.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta. Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.