Sister June Carpenter, 88, dies at last active Shaker village in Maine

Sister June Carpenter, one of the final members of the only active Shaker community in the United States, died Tuesday at age 88. Her death was announced by the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, located in New Gloucester, Maine.

Carpenter had been dealing with health issues and limited mobility in recent months. She was a trained librarian who helped preserve the village’s historical records. The community noted that her work organizing and cataloging the collection made Shaker history more accessible to scholars. An announcement described her efforts as ensuring that the group's legacy could be studied for generations.

Carpenter was born in Boston and earned a master's degree in library sciences from Simmons College. She first visited Sabbathday Lake in 1988 to help with the library dedication and stayed to volunteer. She became a full member of the community in 1989. David Richards, the village curator, recalled her arrival with a comment about her character, stating, "If the meek are to inherit the earth then she will get the whole thing."

Sabbathday Lake is the last functioning outpost of the Shakers, a celibate Christian movement founded in the late 1700s by Mother Ann Lee. The group, officially known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, grew to include thousands of members across several states by the early 1800s. Their numbers declined after the Civil War, but a small group continued to live at the Maine site. The Shakers are also known for their simple furniture and music, including the song "Simple Gifts."

Before her death, Carpenter was one of two longtime residents at the village. The other is Brother Arnold Hadd. A third member, Sister April Baxter, joined the community last year. A novice, Mac Imes, became part of the group earlier this year.

Outside of her library work, Carpenter tended the village gardens and cared for the birds and cats on the property. She also visited fellow Shakers who lived in nursing homes. The village announcement remembered her for her faith and her care for living things.

The community is currently managing the transition following her passing. The remaining members continue to live and work at the site in New Gloucester.