Belmont, Maine - Isabel Morse Maresh, 88, of Belmont, Maine, passed away Oct. 4, 2023, at the BayView Nursing Home in Searsport, Maine, with family by her side. She was born in Northport, Maine, April 30, 1935, the daughter of Amon and Mary (Lermond) Morse. She was a graduate of Crosby High School in 1952.

She is survived by her husband, the love of her life of 70 years, Robert "Bob" Maresh Sr.; and children, Julie Briggs (wife of Joe Briggs), Shirlee McMann (wife of Steve McMann, deceased), Betty Maresh and companion, Thomas Whitney, Robert Maresh Jr. companion, Corrine, Tony Maresh and companion, Earline, Patrick Maresh, and Peter Maresh. They have an abundance of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Raymond Morse and wife, Janet; sister, Annie and husband, Dick Cilley; brother-in-law, David Cushman; and brother, Amon Morse and wife, Barbara. She was predeceased by her parents; 4 infant babies; her older brother, Richard Morse and wife, Greta; sister, Sylvia Cushman; younger brothers, Bernard and Austin; sister, Janette, and grandchildren, Michael Bowden and Brian Maresh.

She is renown as a historian both locally and all over the country. Much of her research has been followed, quoted and referenced. She has been somewhat of a local celebrity, with numerous interviews, and book signings. She worked diligently to record family and town histories while documenting graveyards and providing towns with records that had been lost or forgotten. Having copied all of the Town of Liberty's historical records, she was able to provide them with copies after the originals were lost in a fire.

In 1992 she was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for Historical Research. Her many historical works can be found in the Library of Congress and the Maine State Library.

Each year she and Bob hosted a massive family reunion, including many distant family lines, in their backyard where distant relatives and friends spend the day socializing and enjoying the outdoor activities. The family carried on the tradition until a few months ago, as she felt it was so important.

Many will remember her newspaper column in the Republican Journal "Out of the Past." Her granddaughter created the website Isabelsstories.com that has many of her published stories and others. Many of her stories were written about local events, tales from interviewed accounts, and updates to historical or family matters to include the Center Belmont column for the local papers.

Isabel was a woman of faith in God and he blessed her and her family with treasures beyond measure which can still be felt by so many seeking their family history. She has recognized God's hand in her life and it inspired her life's work.

There will be a private memorial at a later date. Her final resting site will be on the Maresh private cemetery located behind the family farm.