Ophelia D. Lepore

HANOVER, N.H. – Ophelia D. Lepore passed away peacefully on July 21, 2024 in Hanover, N.H. She was the daughter of Frank Duguay and Margaret Brooks Duguay.

Ophelia was born Dec. 30, 1923, in an area known as “tough end” in Island Falls. She graduated from Island Falls High School 1941. After graduation she went to Boston, Mass. to study to be an RN and joined the nurse cadet corps completing her studies in 1945. Ophelia was so homesick for the “County” she never unpacked her suitcase the entire stay in Boston.

While studying nursing, Ophelia met her future husband at Mass General Hospital, Anthony Lepore MD. After Anthony returned from his tour in World War II, the couple settled in Gardiner where they lived and worked for over 40 years. They raised their four children at their historic Federal period home on School Street.

Ophelia was a devout Catholic and was actively involved in the St. Joseph’s parish. She was a Eucharistic minister at the parish and was involved in the women’s scripture study group.

She was an avid reader and supporter of the arts in the Kennebec region. She volunteered for many years at the Gardiner Public Library archiving documents and assisting authors in their research.

She excelled in fabric arts and needlework. Ophelia was a master knitter, a skill she learned as a child and developed her entire life. She designed her own patterns and did complex Icelandic and Fair Isle sweaters.

She and her late husband traveled extensively, following in the steps of the Roman Empire. There were only a few countries they were not allowed to enter because of U.S. travel restrictions.

She was predeceased by her sisters Inez, Leona, Malvina and her brother, John.

She is survived by her children, Anthony F. Lepore, Clare Earley, John Lepore and Giovanna Lepore; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Ophelia and her late husband established a scholarship fund through Tufts Medical School, “Maine Track” to encourage medical students upon graduation to stay and practice medicine in rural Maine.

The celebration of life and burial were private. Ophelia is buried in Island Falls.

Memorial contributions in Ophelia’s name can be made to the Scarborough Maine Land Trust or

Doctors Without Borders

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