Doris E. (Smith) Darling, 93, passed peacefully on July 16, 2025. A lifelong resident of coastal Maine, Doris made her home in Cundy’s Harbor, cherishing the Harpswell islands as her beloved sanctuary.
She was born in Lewiston, Maine, to Harold and Lillian Smith. She spent most of her childhood in the Dyer’s Cove area of Harpswell, where her love for the coast and its people took root early in life.
Following graduation from Brunswick High School, she married her “one and only true love,” Daniel E. Darling, of Cundy’s Harbor, and became the token “Down East fisherman’s wife.” They had been married for just shy of 72 years when Dan predeceased her in 2021. Their marriage was a beautiful example of lifelong devotion, commitment and partnership.
Doris and Dan raised four daughters, centering their lives in the little harbor church, where both offered their gifts of music, hospitality and teaching, and Doris utilized her keen gifts of organization and administration. Her warm spirit, steadfast faith and loving presence were felt by all who knew her.
The final two years of her life were lived fully in the amazing Plant Memorial Home, an assisted-living community on the shore of the beautiful Kennebec River in Bath. What a tremendous blessing it was for this precious woman to pass “into Glory” surrounded by continuous care from her devoted family and the compassionate staff who had become very dear to her heart. The family cannot adequately express the deep gratitude they feel for the vigilant care extended by the entire Plant Memorial Home staff and members of CHANS Hospice in a cooperative “end of life” experience in the comfort of Doris’ own little apartment at Plant Memorial.
Doris was preceded in death by her four brothers, William, John, Danny, and Gary Smith. She is survived by her four daughters, Donna, Cheryl “Sheri,” Susan, and Kathryn “Kathy,” along with many adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate Doris’ life will be held at the Cundy’s Harbor Community Church in early autumn.
Doris leaves a legacy of love, service and song marked by her deep faith and trust in her Lord Jesus Christ. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered with lasting affection.
