LEWISTON- Gaye Ann Burnell, age 70, passed away on Oct. 31, 2026, at the Hospice House in Auburn, following a lengthy period of residency at Montello Manor in Lewiston due to a vehicle accident-related injuries and living with Multiple Sclerosis.
She was born in Bridgton, Maine on Jul. 9, 1956. A daughter of the late Philip and Carlene (Wight) Burnell. Gaye attended Sebago Elementary School and Lake Region High School where she enjoyed participating in chorus and drama club before she graduated in 1974.
A lover of nature, she resided on River Road in North Sebago where she learned every life skill needed for independent family living. She was very proud of her 1/8th Native American heritage which was evident in her hunting, fishing and tracking abilities. More than once, she found "lost" animals, care for flocks of wild turkeys and used ingenious ideas to remedy animal and human problem situations. Working side by side with her father, she helped provide for the family table and cared for their home.
Gaye was a member of Maple Grove Grange #148 and Cumberland and Oxford Union Pomona Granges. With her artistic abilities, she displayed wood burned creations for fair exhibits and gifts as a source of income.
As a civic minded person that Gaye was, she served the town of Sebago as selectman for two 3-year terms, with her main focus of working with the road commissioner in developing safe and well-constructed roads. Recognizing a need, she became a notary public, advancing to a Lifetime Dedimus Justice position in 1998.
She was always sympathetic to needs of others and joined the Sebago Fire Department in early years, soon followed by her membership on the Sebago Rescue Crew. She advanced her training and became the first Sebago Paramedic and later continued her education in this field to Air Med Level. However, disabling accident brought an end to these activities in 2012.
She is predeceased by her parents- Philip and Carlene (Wight) Burnell and her brother- Keith Edward Burnell.
At her request, a private burial will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in North Sebago and for those so inclined a donation in her memory may be sent to the Sebago Volunteer Ems PO Box 250, Sebago, ME 04029.
Arrangements are entrusted to Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cornish.