WINDHAM – Agnes Sweetsir Racine, 93, of Windham, passed away on Feb. 14, 2022, at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Agnes was born on Aug. 8, 1928, to Viola and Arthur H. Stevens in Portland. After Agnes graduated from Deering High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Gorham State Teachers College and a master’s degree from University of Southern Maine. She had a 34-year career in public school education as a dedicated classroom teacher and reading consultant. After retiring, she missed teaching children so much that she worked another 20 years as a substitute teacher.

Family was very dear to Agnes. She showed love and compassion to each member of her family in the good times as well as the challenging times. She saw the best in everyone and supported others without judgement. In 1949, Agnes married Raymond Herbert Sweetsir and they had two children. Widowed after only eight years, she married Arthur M. Racine in 1969. They were happily married for 42 years.

The love and appreciation of music was a family legacy passed on to Agnes by her father, who taught her how to play French horn. Encouraged by her brother in letters he sent home from service during World War II, Agnes became an accomplished musician. She went on to play the French horn for 77 years, performing in many bands and orchestras including the Portland Symphony Orchestra, the Maine State Ballet Orchestra, the Community Orchestra of Portland, Chandlers Band, Bridgton Community Band, and the New Horizons Band. Agnes passed her love of music on to her children and grandchildren and performed in her last concert at the age of 93.

Agnes was predeceased by her parents Arthur and Viola Stevens; her brother, Arthur Stevens Jr., who gave his life in service to his country in WWII, her sister, Shirley Eveleth; her son, Dana C. Racine, and her daughter, Mary Allen.

She is survived by her children Lynne Sweetsir Miner-Hasler (Dwight), Steven B. Sweetsir (Colleen), Dennis Robert Racine (Deborah), and Raymond Herbert Sweetsir (Bette). She will also be lovingly remembered by her 22 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

A memorial gathering will be held in Maine this July.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Bridgton Community Band, of Bridgton, a musical group that Agnes felt strongly about and enjoyed immensely.

Donations may be made via check payable to the

Bridgton Community Band and mailed c/o

Lars Viitala

81 Fogg Rd.

Harrison, ME 04040

or via Zelle:

cnmg8tor@aol.com



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