BRUNSWICK — Margaret (Jean) McAllaster passed away on December 22, 2012 in Brunswick, at the age of 84. She was born on April 10, 1928 in Middleton, Tennessee, the daughter of George and Mildred Gatewood Crawford.

After graduating from Middleton High School in 1948, she moved to Memphis to work for the phone company as an operator. While in Memphis, she played in a basketball game against the Harlem Globetrotters. Later, at a Halloween party in 1953, she met Frank McAllaster, a sailor from New Hampshire. They married six months later on February 6, 1954, and for the next 15 years were stationed all across the country, from Hawaii to Maine. Jean’s open, friendly manner made her popular at every post. In 1967, after leaving the Navy, Jean and Frank settled in Brunswick, where they raised animals, fruits, vegetables, and a family. As her children grew older, Jean took jobs outside the home, working in Brunswick schools and finally in the LL Bean returns department, where she stayed for more than twenty years. She bowled throughout her life, including leagues at the Base and at Yankee Lanes in Brunswick, often serving as league social secretary. Jean also coached for her daughter’s softball teams. She loved her family, which she considered her greatest accomplishment. Jean had a truly gentle, patient manner, which she retained to the very end of her life.

She is survived by her three children: Donald and his wife Suzanne of Massachusetts, Susan and her partner Lonnie of Brunswick, and Patrick and his wife Crystal, also of Brunswick, along with three granddaughters, a grandson, and nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, Frank, who died on September 17, 2010.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 28th at 11AM at Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal St., Brunswick with the Rev. Ronald McLaughlin officiating. Burial at Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, beside her husband, will be held at a later date.

Memorial condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com.