Aurora J. Dunham

Biddeford

Aurora Jane Dunham of Biddeford, Maine, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, at Gosnell House in Scarborough, Maine. She was 95 years old. She is now at home with her Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she served faithfully for over 60 years.

Jane was born on January 18, 1931, in Zwolle, Louisiana, the daughter of Vance and Victoria (Ezernack) Etheridge. At the age of 14, she left Zwolle to live with family in New Orleans, where she began working at the Tulane Shirt Factory. There, she developed remarkable skill doing piece work and took pride in how quickly and efficiently she could complete her tasks.

Jane also worked as a seamstress in Baltimore and lived in Connecticut, Boston and later Portland, Maine. She has always been known for her strong work ethic and warm, welcoming spirit.

Jane met her beloved husband, George M. Dunham in Portland and they were married in 1959 sharing many years together until his passing 28 years ago.

For nearly 50 years, Jane faithfully served families in the Bangor-Brewer area as a house cleaner. Her dedication, reliability, and kind presence endeared her to many, and several of her clients remained with her throughout her entire working life. She considered it a joy to serve others, and her work reflected her humble and generous heart.

Jane was a devoted and longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church in Brewer, where she worshiped for nearly 60 years. She served her church community in many ways, including as Sunday School secretary, a member of the social committee, and a volunteer for Vacation Bible School and 5-Day Clubs. She also found great joy in singing in the choir. She did all of this out of a deep love for her Lord and was grateful for the community she found at Calvary. Music was an important part of her life, and she especially loved beautifully arranged hymns.

Her greatest joy in this life was her family. Jane was a deeply loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her later years were filled with the joy of her growing family, and she cherished the close relationships she shared with each of her grandchildren, all of whom lovingly knew her as "Grammy Jane."

In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, George, she was predeceased by her brothers: Clifford Etheridge, Herman Etheridge, Tennen Etheridge, Joseph Etheridge, Nolan Etheridge, and Keith Etheridge.

She is survived by her five children: Michael McLeod and his wife, Juanita, of Portland; Sandra D. Ahlquist and her husband, Ronnie, of Orrington; M. Daniel McLeod of Cherryfield; Cheryl Sullivan and her husband, Ron, of Biddeford; and Cindi Scott and her husband, Don, of Bangor.

She is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Whitney Pavlova, Jacob Sedgwick, Adam Ahlquist, Kayla Fournier, Erik Ahlquist, Kathleen Sibouih, Haylee Freeman, Sam Scott, and Caitlin McLeod; as well as 14 great-grandchildren.

Jane is further survived by her sisters: Dorothy King, Liz Ramsey, Jo Anne McCormick, Florence Schulgne, and Sue Eunson; and her brother, Randy Etheridge.

Jane will be remembered for her kindness, her steady faith in Jesus, and the quiet, faithful way she served both her family, her church and her friends.

All are welcome to attend a Funeral Service to be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 1PM at Saco Bay Community Church, 146 Ferry Road, Saco with a reception to follow. Burial will take place on Tuesday, May 5 at 10AM at Forest City Cemetery, South Portland.

To view Aurora's obituary or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com.