Lebanon, N.H. —
She was born to Lebanese immigrants, Labibi Assad Antone and Bashara Antone, on Jan. 11, 1923, in Methuen, Mass., where she grew up on a family farm and completed high school. After working and supporting her family for a time, she met the love of her life N. George Papademas; he was serving in the U.S. Army at the time and they met at a dance; both loved dancing and they danced together through 56 years of marriage.
Mae was predeceased by sisters Margaret and Adele and brother Phil, and her husband, who passed in 1999. Survivors include her sister Laurine and brother Tom; her three daughters, Diana, Nancy and Linda; one granddaughter, Calla; and many admiring nieces and nephews.
Mae loved music and sang with the United Methodist Church choir in Lebanon for many years, as well as sometimes with Sweet Adelines and other community choruses. She also played the piano and mandolin and sampled the instruments she provided to her children to learn upon.
She was also keenly interested in politics and had a discerning mind for it; as a long-time member of the Methodist Church, she was instrumental in steering her congregation to accept the “open and affirming” designation of churches espousing an open-door policy of tolerance for spiritual seekers of varying lifestyles and orientations. She wrote as well, often submitting opinion letters to the Valley News that were thoughtful, and usually published, generating conversation.
There will be a memorial service/celebration of life at the above Methodist Church on School Street in Lebanon on July 8, 2018, at 4 p.m. Informal calling hours will begin at the church at 2 p.m. on that date, and refreshments and fellowship will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the church are encouraged. Messages of condolence may be expressed with the family through an online guestbook by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.