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Dolores's Obituary
Dolores Vail of Portland passed away peacefully on Friday morning July 19th. She was 89.
The oldest of four children born in Waterville, Maine, January 9, 1935, to a millworker and homemaker, Vinal and Doris Tarbell, Dolores Mae Tarbell brought energy and passion to all her endeavors. She was a 1953 graduate of Waterville High Schook, continuing her education at Farmington State Teachers College, graduating in 1957. She began her career teaching 6th graders in Falmouth, Maine. There, she met and married a fellow teacher, Homer Theodore (Ted) Vail and married in 1959, a 65-year marriage filled with love, laughter, and adventure enduring until her last day.
Dolores had a passion for education and social justice, and her work and volunteer activities reflected this spirit. Dolores was part of a team that developed a Maine History curriculum for public schools in the 1970s. She joined the League of Women …
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Jul 27, 2024
11:00 AM
Falmouth Congregational Church
Memorial Wall
Michael Polley
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Ted and Dolores Vail are two of the finest people I ever met, and such wonderful times growing up on the Johnson Road in Falmouth.
Thinking of you, Ben and Jeff...
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Dick Tarbell
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Suzanne Rudalevige
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I have fond memories of Delores when we both worked with the Maine Council of Churches. Delores did amazing work with her advocacy around issues of homelessness.
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Pauline Lavery
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My thoughts and prayers are with Ted and your family at the passing of my dear friend. Dolorous and I became very close friends in her later years. She will be missed. 🌻🙏🕊
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Harvey Wheeler
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I first met Mrs.Vail in the 50s when she was a 6th grade teacher at the Plummer Motz school and Mr. Vail was my 7th grade social studies teacher. During my adult life, it was obvious to me that Delores was an amazing woman. A leader; a positive role model; community stalwart and friend to all. I am just one of MANY who will miss her.
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Bob and Linda Vail
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A very difficult time for the Vail Family. For so many years great gatherings were hosted by Aunt Dolores and Uncle Ted. Our family will never forget the love, laughter, stories of family, card games, and of course the political debates these gatherings brought.
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+2+2+2+2+2Judy Stroud OHara
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Dear Ted (I guess I should say Mr.Vail) as I was taught to address you in Jr High, Ben & Jeff, so many fond family memories. Dodo was a great lady Our sympathy’s to you all -sincerely, The OHara family
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Daniel Hobart
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Deepest condolences to Ted, Ben and Jeff on your loss. Aunt Do will be missed by all of us. I have many great memories of Dolores at the Tarbell Christmases as a kid, family get-togethers, and summer reunions with the family at Uncle John’s various summer lake houses. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
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Mike Robertson
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My prayers and best wishes go out to Ted Vail. Although I didn’t know Delores as well as Ted, I know that Ted absolutely adored her. What a wonderful life Delores and to be able to share it with her husband for 65 years is remarkable. I grew up on Harriette St right down the road from their home near Applegate. I worked for Mr. Vail from 1984 to 1991 mowing lawns and shoveling show. It was the best job that I could have ever had, and they gave me the flexibility to work around my sporting commitments. The Vails were so supportive of me, I can’t thank them enough. I was so lucky to have them in my life. Thanks again for everything. Mrs. Vail you will be m…
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Sue Aldrich
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RIP Aunt Do. I have so many fond memories of my time growing up that include you and the Tarbell/Vail family. I will always cherish them. You were a strong lady and you had a big heart. Love you. Sue
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+2Eileen O'Brien Wilner
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Sincere condolences to the Vail family, especially Ben and Jeff. The lives of our parents, Norman and Beatrice O'Brien, whom we recently lost, and Dolores and Ted were intertwined since high school. We heard many stories through the years and they always seemed to keep in touch through church and fire department events. Dolores was a force, for sure! She will be missed in the Falmouth community. Many happy memories to sustain her family.
- Joyce, Eileen, Arthur, Thomas, Andrew O'Brien
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Dick Tarbell
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Steve Tarbell
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My sincere condolences to Ted, Jeff, Ben and the rest of the family. Many great memories of my Aunt Dolores through the years. Such a caring person who was always a joy to be around.
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Paul Hayes
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I’m so sorry to hear this, though it’s evident she lived her life well. I remember Dolores when in my teens when I worked for Ted at the Parks and Rec dept. I wish I had known her in my adult life since we would have shared many things in common as people of faith committed to social justice. I still remember her good humor, gracious spirit, and her crab apple jelly. My condolences and best wishes to “Boss” and the family.
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Genice Mancini
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On behalf of my late father, Nunzi Mancini, I would like to extend my condolences to the Vail family.
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Joanne Hamilton
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Dolores was always there at all functions at the Falmouth Congregational Church whenever possible. She always had a smile and a laugh and wanted to be sure to speak to all she knew!! She certainly had a long life, of course, with later life struggles.
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Derick Magnusen
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She was a wonderful lady that inspired others, whipped up amazing food, and one of the most caring people I've ever had the honor of meeting. We immediately bonded over our shared gluten sensitivity and she always made sure that I had plenty of yummy, gluten free snacks. Thank you for everything, Dolores.
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Hannah Vail
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She was a beloved grandmother, mother, and wife. She is dearly missed by her loved ones.
-Hannah Vail
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