SEAL HARBOR

Pauline P. Durost, 90, on Sept. 6, 2017, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and now has the perfect new body, that He promises, for those who have confessed their sins, and accepted His forgiveness, by asking Him into their heart. She was born, in Farmington as Pauline Marion Phillips, to parents, Hazel Gertrude (Sargent) and Perley Dewitt Phillips, on June 5, 1927.

After graduating from Farmington High School in 1944, she became a bank teller for Franklin Savings Bank, and walked to work, by the residence of the person who became the love of her life, David Leonard Durost, who was a student at Farmington State Teachers College (UMF). Using her spelling and typing skills, she helped David get through college.

After David graduated, he married Polly, on June 22, 1951, in Lisbon Falls, where David’s father, Rev. Morley J. Durost, performed the ceremony. During the course of their marriage, they lived in Farmington, where Beverly and Dale were born, Doylestown, Pa., where Debbie and Paul were born, Northeast Harbor, for a year, and finally, Seal Harbor, where Polly resided for nearly 51 years. Her greatest talent was sewing.

Polly outlived her parents, husband, siblings, Norma Luger and Maynard Phillips, eldest daughter, Beverly Locke, and first great-grandchild, Samuel Jordan Hill.

She left behind three children, and their spouses, Dale and Ginny Durost, Debbie and Gary Scillia and Paul and Ann Durost; nine grandchildren and spouses, Amanda and Casey Hill, Darci and Travis Robertson, Phil and Jenny Durost, John Durost, Aaron and James Scillia, Bethany and A.J. Potter, Amy Sylvester, Nathan Sylvester and his wife, Madi Brackett; and 11 great-grandchildren, Sherri, Daniel, Alexa and Sydney Hill, Zoë and Clark Robertson, Naomi, Oliver and Silas Durost and Auben-Grace and Evelyn Potter.

Pastor Gerry Dill will officiate at a graveside service, at the Seal Harbor Cemetery, on Sept. 30, 2017, at 1 p.m. Many thanks to DaVita Dialysis, Meals for ME and Island Connections for the wonderful care, food and transportation they gave Polly over the years.

Arrangements by Acadia Burial & Cremation Direct, 248 State St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.acadiacremation.com.

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BLUE HILL

Chandler A. Duffy passed away at home on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. He was born in Blue Hill, a son of the late Harry (Bob) Duffy and Dorothy (Piper) Duffy. He graduated from GSA, Class of 1957, and went on to Wentworth Institute in Boston to receive his associate degree in drafting.

In 1958, he married his true love, Sylvia (Sue) Keefe, and they raised their family in Blue Hill. Chan was well known as a master plumber and many of the area plumbers today learned their trade from Chan. He was equally well known as an excellent marksman and received many awards to prove it. He was a member of the Ira Berry Lodge No. 128 in Blue Hill.

He was predeceased by both of his parents and his son, Stephen Duffy.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Sylvia Duffy; daughter Dawn; grandson Matthew and wife, Heaven; great-grandkids Juliet and Roselynn; step-great-grandkids Olivia, Damien and Kayden; and many close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Blue Hill Fire Department, Peninsula Ambulance or Hancock County Homecare and Hospice. A private family service has been scheduled. Arrangements entrusted to Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home.

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BAR HARBOR

Franklin L Bright III, age 50, lost his battle with cancer on Aug. 10, 2017, at MDIH surrounded by family. “Lennie” was born in Ellsworth on Dec. 18, 1966, son of Franklin L. Jr. and Carolyn (Griffin) Bright, and grew up in Franklin.

He married Michelle Gordon of Bar Harbor and they would have celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary on Aug. 24. He accepted her daughter Rebecca as his own and their relationship grew to one of great respect. He was proud to become Papa to grandson Maddox and made plans to teach him to fish and play ball. He loved his son Robert Cone of Arkansas just as much and talked with him often and always hoped they would see one another again.

Lennie was a caring, loving and fun individual who faced his battle with cancer with incredible strength, dignity and good humor. His favorite things to do were fishing, biking and hiking along with cooking. He could light up a room with laughter and was always willing to lend a helping hand and make a bad day turn into a good one. Thanks to many donors, he and Michelle enjoyed a trip to Key West, Fla., in October 2016 to do some fishing and relaxing.

Mr. Lennie, as he was called by the students of Lamoine Consolidated School, enjoyed his 18 years as head custodian and watching the students grow; it was his second family. Many students and their parents have shared their memories of him on “kind words for Lennie” on Facebook, which has brought tears and laughter to his wife.

Lennie is survived by his parents, wife, daughter, son and grandson. Brothers Tim (Tina) Bright, Louis Bright and girlfriend (Susan), Jeff Bright, sisters Dani Barrows (Matt) and daughters, Beth Bright and their mother, Cheryl Bright, special Aunt Shirley Moon, close cousin Edward Griffin and Scott, Aunt Pat and David along with several nieces, nephews and cousins from Maine and Massachusetts; in-laws Marcia and Mike Gordon, aunts, uncles and cousins on his wife’s side who will miss Lennie’s personality and fun-loving antics. Lennie was predeceased by his grandparents Carolyn and Sydney Griffin and grandmother Barbara Bright.

There will be a celebration of life for Lennie on Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. at the Lamoine Consolidated School. Lennie’s final request was that everyone wears a pink shirt, since it was not his favorite color but has always been an inside joke in our family.

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ORANGE CITY, FLA.

Diana Lee Langford, beloved sister of Douglas E. Lee of Trenton, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sept. 11, 2017, in Orange City, Fla.

She was born in Castine Aug. 1, 1947, to Marjorie K. and Paul L. Lee. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, S. Ralph Langford. She is survived by her brother, Douglas, and his wife, Ann, and two sons, Jeffrey B. Perkins of Cape Cod, Mass., and Lee. K. Langford of Osteen, Fla.

Thanks to VITAS Hospice of Orange City for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Hospice or to the Humane Society.

At Diana’s request, there will be no service.

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DEER ISLE/PENOBSCOT

On Sept. 8, 2017, Beulah Hamilton passed away peacefully at Deer Isle. Beulah was born in Brooksville, May 10, 1922, to Clifton Grindle and Villa (Saunders) Grindle.

She is survived by her daughter, Paula Gray, and husband, Robert; her son, David Hamilton, and wife, Ree, of Sedgwick. She is also survived by five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

There will be a gathering at the graveside at Campstream Cemetery, Sedgwick, on Sept. 23, 2017, at 2 p.m. for anyone who would like to attend.

Arrangements by Acadia Burial & Cremation Direct, 248 State St., Ellsworth.

Condolences may be expressed at www.acadiacremation.com.

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ELLSWORTH

Ann Higgins, 68, died of lung cancer peacefully at her home on the evening of Sept. 8, 2017, with her son and his wife and her sister and her sister-in-law by her side.

Ann was born in Laconia, N.H., on Nov. 1, 1948, the third daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Douglass W. Walker. She attended public schools until her family moved to the Baltimore area. On Jan. 25, 1980, she married Liston Higgins, whom she spent 33 years making a life with. She worked at The Jackson Laboratory for several years in the histology department. After her career, she made limitless contributions to the lives of young children in many ways, including her volunteer work at the Conners Emerson School for the past six years. Her compassion toward others, including animals, will be missed.

Ann was predeceased by her husband. She is survived by her son, Stephen Sumner, and his wife, Cindy; her granddaughter, Brianne Sumner; her sisters, Barb Collamore and partner, Judi Soule, and Betsy White and her husband, Steve. In addition to her family, she leaves behind many special friends who she truly felt were her family as well.

Per Ann’s request, there will be no service. Those wishing to remember Ann are invited to make a donation in her memory to The Ark, 60 Barber Lane, P.O. Box 276, Cherryfield, ME 04622 or a donation can be made online at http://thearkpets.org/donate/.

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Washington County

Gary G. Godish, 69, of Machias, Sept. 5. Celebration of life Sept. 8, Machias Valley Baptist Church.

Connor Whitaker Ireland, 19, of Crawford, Sept. 11. Service 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, Woodland High School, Baileyville.

Myron A. Peaslee, 91, of Calais and Springvale, Sept. 9 at Springvale.

Vance Davis Pineo Sr., 75, of Columbia Falls, Sept. 6 at his home. Funeral service Sept 9, United Methodist Church, Columbia Falls.

Nancy (Copple) Pinkham, 93, of Milbridge, Sept. 5. Service Sept. 9, Milbridge Congregational Church. Interment Evergreen Cemetery, Milbridge.

Dorothy Plummer, of Harrington, Aug. 22. Service Sept. 13, Harrington Baptist Church.

David M. Rodgers, 61, of Talmadge, August 31.

Hancock County

George Blagden, 85, of Nashua, N.H., formerly of Blue Hill, Aug. 9 at Nashua. Celebration of life, 11 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, Manchester Yacht Club, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass.

Robert F. Brawn, 94, of Bucksport, Sept. 11.

Franklin L. Bright III, 50, of Bar Harbor, Aug. 10 at Mount Desert Island Hospital. Celebration of life 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, Lamoine Consolidated School.

Pamela F. Campbell, 43, of Bar Harbor, Sept. 3.

Corinne Ann Cowan, 66, of Surry, Dec. 28, 2015. Graveside service 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, North Bend Cemetery, Surry.

Chandler A. Duffy, of Blue Hill, Sept. 5 at his home. Private service.

Pauline P. Durost, 90, of Seal Harbor, Sept. 6 at Bangor. Graveside service 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, Seal Harbor Cemetery.

Peggy Forster, 76, of Pullman, Wash., formerly of Salisbury Cove. Sept. 5 at her home.

Eva Goodwin, of Tremont. Graveside service 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, Center Cemetery, Seal Cove.

John Goodwin, of Tremont. Graveside service 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, Center Cemetery, Seal Cove.

Gordon F. Gray, 95, of Goffstown, N.H., formerly of Stonington, Aug. 29 at Hillsborough County Nursing Home, Goffstown, N.H. Interment at later date, Greenwood Cemetery, Stonington.

Beulah G. Hamilton, 95, of Deer Isle, Sept. 8. Gathering 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, Camp Stream Cemetery, Sedgwick.

Ann Higgins, 68, of Ellsworth, Sept. 8 at her home.

Diana Lee Langford, 70, of Orange City, Fla., Sept. 11.

Elaine L. Overlock, 72, of Bass Harbor, Sept. 3. Celebration of life 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, Tremont School, Bass Harbor.

Alan Hatch Webb, 94, of Stonington, Sept. 6 at Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor. Service Sept. 12, Community of Christ Church. Committal service Greenwood Cemetery, Stonington.

Doris A. Winchester, 83, of Bucksport, July 6, at a Bangor hospital. Graveside service noon Saturday, Sept. 16, Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Bucksport.

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BAR HARBOR

Bradford C. Gray joined his wife, Barbara, on Sept. 10, 2017. Brad and Barb had been the owners of several businesses, first, with a store on Norway Drive and finally with Emery’s Cottages on Sand Point. Brad always enjoyed playing golf in Bar Harbor and in Fort Myers, where he and Barb spent winters. In his later years, Brad became a full-time caregiver for Barb. When Barb was no longer able to stay at home, Brad was at her side at Sonogee every day.

Brad is survived by Wally and Carol; Ted and Pat of Bar Harbor; grandchildren Rebecca and Logan Thornton of Monroe, Ga.; Brandon and Becky Gray of Hermon, Jennifer and Eric Driscol of Glenburn; great-grandchildren, Logan and Kendall Thornton of Monroe, Ga.; sister, Mary Taflinger of Hertford, N.C.

Brad was predeceased by his wife, Barbara; parents, Fred and Zelphia; in-laws Ruth and Walter Sargent; siblings, Waldron, George, Fanny, Jeanette, Freda and Florence. At Brad’s request, there will be no services.

SULLIVAN

Harry Leon Hardison, 79, of Sullivan passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sept. 12, 2017. He was born Dec. 29, 1937, in Sullivan to Helen West Hardison and Maynard Hardison of Sullivan. He lived in Sullivan all his life. He went to join his loving wife of 52 years, Sandra. He leaves behind one daughter, Darleen Goodwin, and two sons, Raymond Hardison and his wife, Jeanie, Roland Hardison and his wife, Shawna, six grandchildren and great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He loved to go flying R/C airplanes and jeeping with his sons. The last few years of his life, his daughter Darleen lived with him to make sure that he was taken care of after he had a series of strokes. He was a quiet man, but had a very good sense of humor. He had lots of friends with one in particular, Mike Scott. He came and spent a lot of time with him in past few years. He will be missed by many.

A gathering for family and friends will be held at his son’s home, 296 Thorn Road, Sullivan, on Oct 1, 2017, at noon.

STEUBEN

Born Janice Waddell in Quincy, Mass., on Sept. 27, 1943, she left as Jan Eklund on Aug. 30, 2017. She was a beloved wife, mother, Grammy, Mimi and friend. Passing unexpectedly from multiple medical events, Janice nevertheless went peacefully in the comfort of her own home while surrounded by her grown children, many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Her husband, Al, holding one hand and her eldest son, David, holding the other, she gave one last deep breath and joined her family already in heaven.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Frasier, by her father, Robert Waddell, by her stepfather, Donald Frasier, and by her loving brother, Robert B. Waddell.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Alfred Eklund, and their four children. They and their mates and spouse are, David Eklund and Cindy Peterson, Bonnie Eklund and Terri Boyd, Donna Eklund and Lee Connor and Chris and Cindy Eklund.

Her 11 grandchildren, along with their mates/spouses, are: Brad and Hazel Eklund, Kasara and Clarence Cowperthwaite, Robbie Handy, Quentin Wiese and Allie, Quentin Eklund, Raquel Eklund, Max Eklund, Celina Cummings, John Batson, Alicia Batson and CJ Mathis.

Blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Cameren, Keelan and Carsen Cowperthwaite, Tristan and Lily Eklund, June Marie and Scarlett Rose Weise. Janice’s extended family included Ralph and Linda Mathis, Brian Cummings, Gloria Cookson, Tristan and Annie Boyd.

Per Janice’s request, she will be laid to rest alongside her stepfather Donald on the grounds of her home at 40 Rogers Point Road in Steuben. The funeral and burial starts at 1 p.m. Sept. 23, 2017, and it will be followed immediately by a banquet. To have so many loved ones communing and dining together is her wish and that of her husband, Al; therefore, please stay with us as we celebrate Janice’s life. Bring pictures of her to share with us if you have any.

Please come. All are welcome.

ELLSWORTH

Frederick Jagels, 73, died Sept. 17, 2017, at his home. He was born in Rockland, Aug. 10, 1944, the son of Frederick B. and Alberta (Knight) Jagels.

He graduated from Deering High School, Portland, Class of 1962 and the University of Maine, studying agricultural engineering, in 1968. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He married Jane Barnes in 1968 and they had three children and five grandchildren.

Frederick worked 33 years as the state engineer for Farmers’ Home Administration. At the end of his career, he was chief of the Rural Utilities Division. After retirement, he worked 15 summers for CES in Brewer as an on-site inspector, a job that he enjoyed immensely. He was a member of the Hammond Street Congregational Church, serving as president of the trustees for two years and was a member of and served as president of the Maine Society of Professional Engineers. In 1999, he retired to a new home in Estero, Fla., where he served as president of the Men’s Club (150 members) and the Cascades Bocce Club (250 members), both clubs for the same two years.

Fred loved being surrounded by his family and friends, especially around the water, be it Branch Lake, the Gulf of Mexico in Florida or the Seboeis River in northern Maine.

He is survived by his wife, Jane, of Ellsworth; daughters, Heather Robbins (Robert) of Ellsworth, and Sara Wagner (Thomas) of Seattle, Wash.; son, Andrew Jagels (Michelle) of Ellsworth; grandchildren, Allison and William Robbins of Ellsworth, Graham Wagner of Seattle, and Reece and Natalie Jagels of Ellsworth; sister, Carolyn Minvielle of Owl’s Head; sister-in-law, Linda Lunney of Portage; niece, Laura Akeley of Fredericksburg, Va., and her son, Spencer Carter; nephews, Mark Lunney and significant other, Tammy, Timothy Minvielle (Rae) of San Jose, Calif., and Thomas Minvielle (Rene) of Alexandria, Va.; He was predeceased by his parents and an infant brother, William. In addition to family, he will be missed by his many colleagues and friends who were so very special to him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Frederick’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905 or Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, 1404 Broadway, Bangor 04401.

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

SOUTHWEST HARBOR

Kevin John Dyer Jr., 28, died suddenly on Sept. 11, 2017. He was born in Ellsworth, June 22, 1989, the son of Kevin John Dyer, Sr. and Deana Dyer-Clemons.

He attended Pemetic Grammar School and MDI High School. Kevin loved to spend time with his friends, siblings, niece and nephews. He enjoyed video games, heavy metal music and goofing around with his family and friends. He loved his cats Welker and Savannah.

He is survived by his mother, Deana Dyer-Clemons, dad, Bryant of Hancock; maternal grandparents, Teresa and Author MacQuinn of Bar Harbor; paternal grandmother, Carolyn Dyer; sisters, Michelle Dyer-Fagan of Dover-Foxcroft, Amanda Mickel and her husband, Jon, of Sullivan, Jessica Fernandez and her husband, Chris, of Trenton, Jordin Farnsworth of Santa Monica, Calif., Sammie St. Pierre, Willitts, Calif.; brother-in-law Ben Fagan of Dover-Foxcroft; brother Michael Clemons, Ellsworth; step-grandparents Charlene Clemons and her husband, Marcus Sr., several aunts, uncles and cousins; many nieces and nephews; and a host of good friends. He was predeceased by his father, Kevin Dyer Sr., grandfather Raymond Billings; and great-grandmother Florence Linscott.

Calling hours will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, 2017, at the Tremont Congregational Church in Tremont. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, at Tremont Congregational Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kevin’s memory may be made to the SPCA of Hancock County, 141 Bar Harbor Road, Trenton, ME 04605.

TRENTON

Anna (Banana) Marie Jediny, age 59, beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and very dear friend to many, passed away in her home peacefully on Sept. 13, 2017, after a difficult battle with cancer.

Anna was born on March 27, 1958, at Pepperell Air Force Base in Saint Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, to John Jediny and Lillian Venus Jarvis (Jediny/Kayser).

Anna was known for and thoroughly enjoyed baking delicious pies, various desserts and cooking amazing meals that were enjoyed by her family and friends and even perfect strangers surrounding the Ellsworth-Bar Harbor area.

Anna was self-employed and operated “Anna Banana’s Cleaning” for close to 38 years. She held a black belt in karate and was blessed with a fabulous green thumb, getting just about any plant to grow and thrive, always sharing the fruit of her labor with others in need, or just to bless someone special to her. Anna never met a stranger. She valued all human life and treated everyone the same, whether they were in a three-piece suit or homeless on the street.

Anna was a caregiver and a servant in her community. She fed the hungry, opened her home to everyone and would gather and provide others with clothing or many other items they may need for their homes. She was a networker and a businesswoman. Simply stated, Anna was an amazing woman, with a positive attitude toward life and an infectious laugh. She was loved and appreciated and will be missed by hundreds of people’s lives that she touched in just 59 short years.

Anna was predeceased by her brother, John Joseph Jediny, and her mother, Lillian Venus Jarvis Kayser.

Anna is survived by her father, John Jediny, and her stepmother, Jimmie-Nell Jediny, her sister, Janet Jediny, her daughters Amanda O’Rourke, Maygen O’Rourke and Renee O’Rourke, her granddaughters Mya Miller, Anna O’Rourke, Caitlyn O’Rourke, Gemma Neshawn and her only grandson Maddex Mohlman, numerous nieces and nephews and many close friends.

There will be a celebration of life on Sept. 23, 2017, at Thompson’s Island, which is part of Acadia National Park in Trenton. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Followed by a celebration with live music and a potluck dinner. Please send a Facebook message or call Maygen O’Rourke to confirm your attendance at the dinner and what potluck item you would like to bring.

All flowers or memorial donations are to be sent to Anna Jediny, in care of Maygen O’Rourke, to 1455 Tremont Road, Seal Cove.

LAMOINE AND LAKE WALES, FLA.

Jean Iverson Crowley, 74, passed away at her home after a yearlong battle with cancer. She was born in Bar Harbor, July 23, 1943, daughter of Arthur O. and Helena (Hodgkins) Iverson.

She attended school in Bar Harbor. Jean loved watching the Red Sox, loved Tom Brady, but had her own opinion of the Patriots. She enjoyed jokes, playing around and was always there with a helping hand.

She is survived by her husband, Carl; children, Linda Linscott, Brian Linscott and “Buddy” Palmer; sister, Jillaine Chipman; brother, Joel Iverson; stepchildren, Stacey Crowley and Kevin Crowley; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, “Bandi.” She also had many special friends at Downeast Horizons and Lake Wales Campground in Florida. She was predeceased by her parents; and sister, Joyce Brown.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m., Sept. 23, 2017, at Forest Hill Cemetery, Lamoine with Pastor Bob Maddocks officiating. A celebration of life will be held directly after the service at her home at 44 Lamoine Beach Road.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean’s memory may be made to Downeast Horizons, 77 Union St., Ellsworth 04605.

Arrangements by Acadia Burial & Cremation Direct, 248 State St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.acadiacremation.com.

TRENTON

Carroll Joseph (Joe or Joey) Swazey, 72, passed away Sept. 16, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born in Ellsworth Falls, on June 14, 1945.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carolyn Williams Swazey, his son, Mark Swazey of Trenton, his daughter, Jodie Swazey Walters, and husband, Michael, granddaughter Mikayal Walters of West Virginia, special niece Karen Tibbetts of Franklin, special family friends Joseph Fogg and wife, Kimberly, and Riely, brother Carl Gray and sisters Linda Marshall, Marie Clough and Mollie Carter and many other nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Dana R. Swazey Sr. and Olive Butler Swazey, brothers Dana R. Swazey Jr., Joseph Butler Swazey and Phillip Gray, sisters, Margarette Henderson, Marie Sprague, Josephine Kane and Charlene Cross, nephew Terrance Tracy and niece Olive Strout.

He was a truck driver in New Jersey and a lobster fisherman in Maine.

He was a member of the Ellsworth Elks Lodge No. 2743 and the Ellsworth Moose Lodge No. 2698.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either the Ellsworth Elks Lodge No. 2743 or the Ellsworth Moose Lodge No. 2698 in his name or the VNA Home Health Hospice.

A celebration of life will be at the Ellsworth Elks Lodge No. 2743, 317 High St., Ellsworth, on Oct. 1, 2017, at 1 p.m.

BAR HARBOR

Connie Speaker Birkenmeier, 76, died unexpectedly Sept. 12, 2017, in Bar Harbor. She was born May 30, 1941, in Steubenville, Ohio, the daughter of the late Chauncey Speaker and Olivetta Blake.

Connie graduated from Jefferson Union High School in Richmond, Ohio, and Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio. She pursued a master’s degree and dedicated 37 years to the Jackson Laboratory. Her work included investigating blood cells for early signs of a variety of cancers. She married her husband, the late, Edward H. Birkenmeier, in 1973. They first settled in Otter Creek and then Bar Harbor. Connie and Ed had their only child, Tristan, in 1986. She established and organized the annual Edward H. Birkenmeier Distinguished Lectureship in Genetics and Evolution in honor of her husband, who was a faculty member at the Jackson Laboratory until his death in 1996. After retiring, she continued to volunteer as a researcher at Jackson Lab until the day she died. Most recently, she was working on a project to develop blood-based biomarkers to detect the progression of lung cancer.

Connie’s presence in the lab and MDI community will be greatly missed. She enjoyed all aspects of life, including hosting dinner parties, getting involved with local politics and spending time in Acadia. A lifelong advocate for conservation and the environment, Connie cherished the natural world, and animals of all kinds. She adored Tristan, and looked after all of his friends as if they were her own.

Connie is survived by her son, Tristan Birkenmeier, and his wife, Kristin Birkenmeier, of Yarmouth; her brother Daniel Speaker and his wife, Barbara Hazencomb Speaker, of Steubenville, Ohio; and nephews and nieces Jason Speaker and wife, Alicia Speaker, and Kelly Speaker Leasure and husband, Todd Leasure, of Steubenville.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at the Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Please dress casually, as this is what she would have wanted. Gifts in Connie’s memory can be made to the SPCA of Hancock County, 141 Bar Harbor Road, Trenton, ME 04605. Our family is grateful for the tremendous support during this difficult time. Arrangements in care of Jordan-Fernald, 1139, Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

Washington County

Shawn P. Bagley, 67, East Machias, Sept. 10. Service Sept. 15, Maine Veterans Cemetery, Augusta.

Guenther E. Classen, 92, of Harrington, Sept. 12 at his home. Celebration of life 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Ellsworth

Janice Waddell Eklund, 73, of Steuben, Aug. 30 at her home. Burial 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, 40 Rogers Point Road, Steuben. Celebration of life following.

Clifton Eugene Emerson Jr., 40, of Jonesport, Sept. 9 at Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor. Celebration of life, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, Community of Christ Church, Jonesport.

Elvira Deborah Farrar, 89, Baileyville, Sept. 13 at Eastport Memorial Nursing Home. Service Sept. 16, Calais Cemetery.

Connor Whitaker Ireland, 19, of Crawford, Sept. 11. Celebration of life Sept. 16, Woodland High School, Baileyville.

David Emanuel Mayo, 49, of Machias, Sept. 10. Celebration of life at later date.

Elgin D. McGaw, 79, of Baileyville, Sept. 18 at his home. Graveside service 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. Woodland Cemetery, Baileyville.

Hancock County

Helene Ester Billings, 94, of Stonington, June 12 at Deer Isle. Celebration of life Sept. 23, Community of Christ Church, Stonington.

Connie Beth Birkenmeier, 76, of Bar Harbor, Sept. 12 at Bar Harbor. Celebration of life 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor.

Robert F. Brawn, 94, of Bucksport, Sept. 11. Gathering 9 a.m to noon, Saturday, Sept. 23, Deborah’s home, Searsport. Interment in Stillwater.

Franklin L. Bright III, 50, of Bar Harbor, Aug. 10 at Mount Desert Island Hospital. Celebration of life 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, Lamoine Consolidated School.

Elizabeth Ann (Perry) Brown, 85, of Castine, formerly of Bar Harbor, Sept. 16 at her home. Graveside service 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, Forest Hill Cemetery, Northeast Harbor.

Marion F. Carr, 83, of Mount Desert, Sept. 5.

Jean Iverson Crowley, 74, of Lamoine and Lake Wales, Fla., Sept. 18, at her Lamoine home. Graveside service 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, Forest Hill Cemetery, Lamoine. Celebration of life following at 44 Lamoine Beach Road.

Kevin John Dyer Jr., 28, of Southwest Harbor, Sept. 11. Visiting hours 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, Tremont Congregational Church. Memorial service 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, Tremont Congregational Church.

Reginald Austin Gilley Jr., 58, of Bar Harbor, Sept. 19. Memorial service 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, St. Bernard’s Anglican Parish, Olsen Chapel, Bass Harbor. Interment Mountain View Cemetery, Town Hill at later date.

Bradford C. Gray, of Bar Harbor, Sept. 10.

Beulah G. Hamilton, 95, of Deer Isle, Sept. 8. Gathering 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, Camp Stream Cemetery, Sedgwick.

Harry Leon Hardison, 79, of Sullivan, Sept. 12 at his home. Gathering for family and friends noon, Sunday, Oct. 1, 296 Thorn Road, Sullivan.

Milton Andrew Horner, 68, of Northeast Harbor, Aug. 20. Celebration of life 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, The Neighborhood House, Northeast Harbor.

Frederick Jagels, 73, of Ellsworth, Sept. 17 at his home.

Anna Marie Jediny, 59, of Trenton, Sept. 13 at her home. Celebration of life 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, Thompson’s Island, Trenton.

Winifred Smart Quackenbush, 85, of Ellsworth, Sept. 15. Service Sept. 20, Southwest Harbor Congregational Church.

Rita B. Shepard, 87, of Stonington, Sept. 15 at Stonington. Memorial service 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Stonington.

Arthur M. Staples, 73, of Bucksport, Aug. 21 at Eastern Maine Medical Center. Private celebration of life.

Carroll Joseph Swazey, 72, of Trenton, Sept. 16. Celebration of life 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, Ellsworth Elks Lodge No. 2743.

BLUE HILL

William Tower Peake, 87, died Sept. 11, 2017, at his residence at Parker Ridge in Blue Hill. He was the father of Andrew Peake of Penobscot and Geoffrey Peake of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the father-in-law of Janet Baumann (Daksha) of Penobscot, and brother of Mary Peake Barnett of Wheaton, Ill. He was delighted to have five grandchildren: Mitchell Peake of Cincinnati, Caroline Peake of San Francisco, Calif., Emily Peake of Northampton, Mass., Phineas Peake of Penobscot and Alida Peake of Penobscot.

Bill Peake was born in Oak Park, Ill., Nov. 26, 1929. In high school, he excelled at mathematics, and at the suggestion of a teacher, he broke with the family tradition of attending Oberlin College, and instead went to MIT in Cambridge, Mass.

He received a Bachelor of Science in 1951, a Master of Science in 1953, and a Doctor of Science in 1960, all from MIT in electrical engineering.

When he started graduate school at MIT, he was asked if he wanted to be a teaching assistant or a research assistant. He didn’t know how to answer, so he randomly said, “Teaching,” and that made a big difference in the rest of his life. He became an excellent teacher, enhancing the lives of many students during his 40 years of teaching at MIT. Bill also did research in speech and hearing at the Eaton Peabody Laboratory at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

He married Helen Carr of Cambridge, Mass., in 1952. They were together for almost 50 years until her death in 2002.

In 1954 and 1955, Bill and Helen lived in Dayton, Ohio, where he was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, while he fulfilled his commitment to the ROTC.

Bill and Helen raised their two sons in Newton, Mass., where Bill lived for 45 years. For the last two and a half years he lived at Parker Ridge Retirement Community in Blue Hill. Everywhere, he impressed people with his sharp wit and perpetual good humor.

DEER ISLE

Elizabeth Ann Cicoro went to be with the Lord Sept. 18, 2017, after a long battle with addiction. She was born Aug. 16, 1994, to Richard Cicoro.

Liz had many friends and family who loved and supported her through numerous life tribulations, and many joyful moments. Hard work was something that came naturally to her, and she conquered it with ease.

She is survived by her ultimate pride and joy “Critter” Christopher James, Dedra and Jess Leach of Penobscot, Charley and Brigid Wentworth, Rachel, Cece, Marty, Maggie, Joe and Laura Wentworth of Verona Island. Dear friends, Christina Martel, the Washburn family, Sonny Stinson and boyfriend Matt Gormley. She was predeceased by her loving father, Richard Cicoro of Deer Isle. The bond between them was truly special. Also by Stuart Leach of Penobscot, the loving father of her son, and her forever friend.

We want Elizabeth to be remembered for her fun-loving self, her faith, her beautiful smile and her warm hugs.

We are asking for anyone suffering from addiction to please seek help before it’s too late.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, at St. Vincent De Paul’s Catholic Church, 60 Franklin St., Bucksport.

Donations for Christopher James may be made in care of Debra Leach at 60 Honeydew Lane, Penobscot, ME 04476.

SURRY

After a long struggle with cancer, Stephen T. White, age 70, died peacefully on Sept. 21, 2017, at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital. He was born March 23, 1947, in Lawrence, Mass., the son of G. Gordon and Gloria Field White. He was predeceased by both parents, and his younger sister, Linda Jane Wright.

A lifelong learner, Steve received his high school diploma from Chauncey Hall, Boston; his B.A. in psychology from the University of Maine at Portland-Gorham; his M.A. in special education from the University of Northern Colorado; and his doctorate in counselor education from the University of Maine. Throughout his life Steve worked in agencies, schools, prisons and private practice, using his education to help people with addictions, learning disabilities and a variety of mental health issues.

Steve was sometimes a bit quirky, and he was passionate about many things, including movies, astronomy, flashlights, computers, chopping wood, loons, clocks, Bean Island, maps, cruises, electronic gadgets, his dog Sophie, building houses, Altoids, Colorado, repairing things, teasing Mary and Stephanie, Christmas, Jed Island, Great Courses, coffee and coffee mugs, the ocean, bells, walking in the woods, singing bowls, his blue reclining chair, reading and learning, his Green Lake cabin, Pugnuts ice cream, the Big Book and exploring in his kayak.

But most of all Steve cherished his daughter Stephanie and his wife of 26 years, Mary. He will be missed and remembered lovingly every day by them. Steve will also be missed by his brother Alan White, his wife, Gail, and their children Kelsey and Benjamin; his niece Amy Wright and her husband Peter Demers; his niece Karen Wright, her husband, Paul Newton, and their son Zeke.

The family would like to express their thanks to Kate, Steve’s VNA Hospice nurse; to Dr. Stephen Nightingale and the staff at Coastal Health Center; and to Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County. A special thanks goes to members of the Ellsworth (Buddhist) Meditation Center/Vajravidya, who routinely showed up with food, volunteer caregivers and loving kindness. Finally, we thank the Emergency Room and SCU physicians and nurses of Blue Hill Memorial Hospital for the professional, supportive, and sincerely kind care they gave to Steve, Mary and Stephanie. In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, please make a donation in Steve’s name to BHMH, P.O. Box 604, Blue Hill, ME, 04614. Your gift will help create a Stephen T. White endowment fund, intended solely to support nursing needs at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital.

An informal visitation/gathering in remembrance of Steve’s life will be held between 4-6 p.m. at Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.