A memorial bench donated by the Cape Elizabeth High School class of 1959 in honor of deceased classmates now sits in front of the present-day middle school, which was their high school.

Mimi Ayers, a member of the class of 1959 and a reunion organizer, said six classmates have passed away in the last 46 years, including their valedictorian, an honored Marine, a successful businessman and a nurse.

“They were amazing people,” Ayers said.

Five members of the class who still live in the area gathered to watch Monday’s installation of the simple granite bench with “Class of 1959” engraved in the bottom right corner. The bench sits on the small hill overlooking the playground.

An informal ceremony at the bench will take place on Saturday, June 25, when 27 members of the class of 1959 are expected to gather for a class reunion. Following the ceremony the classmates will take a tour of their old high school with Middle School Assistant Principal John Casey.

Donations to pay for the bench came from the 32 members of the class who live across the country. The reunion committee also commissioned a painting of their old high school by local artist Rose Kennealy, which will be raffled off during their reunion. Raffle tickets will be available for sale at Family Fun Day.

Five members of the class of 1959 pose in front of the bench their class has donated in honor of six deceased classmates. From the left: Jessie Timberlake, Mimi Ayers, Sue Clukey, Liz Wood and Becky Boudreau.