Waterville — Zora May Desmarais (Moote), 67, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Zora was born in Cavendish, Vermont, on January 6, 1950, to Charles H. Moote and Rosa R. Moote (Dagenais). She attended school in Claremont, New Hampshire, and completed her education after moving to Maine.

Zora had a happy childhood and shared an especially close bond with her father, whom she considered her idol and best friend. She wanted her children and grandchildren to have lives even better than her own and devoted herself to making their dreams possible. She took great pride in seeing all of her children attend college. As they grew up, they knew that if they wanted something, Mom would find a way to make it happen. Somehow, she made world travel, college, and weddings possible for each of them.

Zora was a devoted homemaker, a wonderful cook, and, above all, the best mother. For many years, she owned and operated the Summer Street Redemption Center in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. She is still fondly remembered for her generosity, especially for handing out candy to her little customers.

Her greatest joy in life was being a mother and, later, a grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved sharing stories and memories from her childhood and created a home where everyone felt welcome, loved, and cared for.

Zora could make an ordinary day feel like a special occasion. Her door was always open, and she welcomed every child she met with her full attention, a smile, and, of course, a delicious home-cooked meal.

Her family and friends will deeply miss her visits, the unexpected Facebook reels she shared, her sense of humor and stories, and the comfort of her cooking.

She was predeceased by her parents and siblings: Shirley Maynard, Robert “Bob” Moote, Rebecca “Becky” Moote, George Moote, Jane “Jean” Porter, and Michael “Mike” Moote.

She is survived by her children, Maria Churchill; Darius Desmarais and his wife, Sherry; and Marcy Campbell and her husband, Kirk Campbell. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Courtney Poulin and her husband, Caleb Poulin; Whitney Churchill; Adriena Hands and her husband, Noah Hands; Kyla Miller and her husband, Zack Miller; Braydon Desmarais and his wife, Kate; Payton Campbell; Jackson Campbell; and Summer Campbell; and by her great-grandchildren, Brantly Kulas and Lydia Hands. She also leaves behind her siblings, Delphia Moscartolo, Patricia Bourque, Bruce Moote, Helen Whittaker, and Wayne Moote, as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

In accordance with Zora’s wishes, there will be no service, only a small celebration of her life with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family will always treasure the love she gave so freely and will do their best to share that love with others.

The family would be grateful to hear your special stories and memories of Zora. She touched many lives, and they want everyone to know how deeply she loved you all.