MATTAPOISETT - Lucy Weldon (Maxim) Fearing, 97, passed from this life on August 1, 2024, at her home in Mattapoisett. Lucy was born on July 19, 1927 in Wareham, the daughter of Elmer W and Doris L (Leonard) Maxim. She attended Wareham schools and went on to Massachusetts College of Art and Bridgewater State Teachers College, receiving degrees in Education and Art. Lucy married her much-loved husband, John Fred Fearing III on July 19, 1947. They had three children. They recently celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary with friends and family. John predeceased Lucy by less than 24 hours. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Dale Edward Fearing; two brothers, Nathan L and Elmer W Maxim, Jr.; and two sisters, Dorothy Vaughan and Edith Matthews. She is survived by two daughters, Doris E. Bohuslavicky of Paden, Oklahoma; and Harlene L. (David Mark) Simpson of Houston, Texas; three sisters, Bessie Ann Lindenmuth of Millersville, Maryland; Susan (Bruce) Westgate of West Wareham, and Elizabeth Rae Williams of Fairhaven; seven grandchildren, Stacy Dee Vrba of Katy, Texas; Timothy Simpson of Louisa, Virginia; Brian Simpson and Matthew Simpson of Houston, Texas; Kaylen (Christopher) Simpson-Porto of Lenexa, Kansas; Erik Fearing (Erik Gullard) of Malden; and Amy (Sean) Cutting of Wood River Junction, Rhode Island; as well as seven great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and her church family and friends.

Lucy was a dedicated teacher for over 30 years. She began her career at Mattapoisett Center School teaching art in the elementary grades and sewing in the upper grades. She later taught in Middleboro, then Wareham Public Schools, teaching the elementary grades and art until her retirement. Lucy was a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and pioneered zealously and tirelessly for many years, setting an example for those younger than she.

Lucy was a skilled seamstress making most of her own clothing and teaching her daughters, among others, how to sew precisely, basting first! The final product always looked professionally tailored. Before they were married John was in the service and deployed overseas. He sent her embroidered lace fabric from Japan. Lucy fashioned the fabric into her beautiful wedding gown. Having two daughters, she spent time sewing doll clothes. She learned how to knit and crochet stuffed animals, hats, scarves, and pillows. She was also a talented artist creating works of art in watercolors, oil, pencil, and pastels, copper, ceramics, and woodworking. As her family grew, she liked to design and help build the additions to their home, solving storage dilemmas with custom built closets and shelves. She enjoyed working in the flower beds and garden with John and watching the birds and other wildlife that visited their backyard.

Lucy was fearless! While she was expecting her first child, and having just acquired her driver’s license, she embarked on a cross-country road trip, alone, from Wareham, Massachusetts, to Los Angeles, California, to be with John when the baby was born. Their first daughter was born at Oakland Naval Hospital in California. A few years later, she made the trip again, this time with a toddler and a 10-year-old sister-in-law in tow. She told of how, while they were crossing the midwestern states a severe storm with tornadoes was headed their way. She stopped for gas and a kind couple opened their home to her and her young companions to spend the night until the storm had passed. After retiring John and Lucy continued traveling across the country, seeing the sights, and visiting their children and grandchildren. Early on, Lucy taught John how to dance and how they loved to dance! They were spotted dancing in their kitchen on their 75th wedding anniversary, however, over the last two years they have been content to sit side-by-side in their rocking chairs, holding hands and gently rocking.

The family is planning a celebration of life for Lucy and John in June of 2025.

Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham. To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com