Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home

11/08/2025

Nicholas C. Sawyer
December 30, 1984 – August 5, 2025

Ellsworth, Maine – Nicholas C. Sawyer, 40, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025. A beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Nick leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, dry wit and deep devotion to his family.

Nick was born on December 30, 1984, in Burlington, VT, the son of Thomas J. and Vasilike (Katsiaficas) Sawyer. He spent the first five years of his life there before his family returned to their hometown, where Nick went on to attend Ellsworth Schools, graduating in 2003. He continued his education at Stonehill College, graduating in 2007 after earning a bachelor’s degree in finance. He achieved a successful career as a Senior Account Executive with WB Mason, where he worked for 16 years and was known for his dedication, professionalism, and easy rapport with clients and colleagues alike.

Nick had a passion for life that was contagious. He loved sports, especially football, his New England Patriots and organizing Fantasy Football Leagues which was serious business! He was always up for a good game, a great meal, or the next travel adventure, preferably somewhere warm. Whether relaxing on a sunny beach or firing up the coals at the annual Greek BBQ on Oak Point, Nick lived life fully, with laughter and enthusiasm.

He was never happier than when surrounded by family. Nick was a devoted son to his mother, Kiki, and father, TJ, and a beloved brother to Anna and her husband Cory, and to Thomas and his wife Jennifer. Nick is survived by his parents, siblings as well as his step-father, Raymond Silsby and his daughters Sarah and Rebecca, grandmother, Lily Katsiaficas and many aunts, uncles and cousins. But perhaps Nick’s greatest joy came from his role as an uncle. His nieces and nephew—Lydia, Alexandra, Emma, Chase, and Julia—were the loves of his life and the center of his world. Nothing made Nick prouder or happier than being “Uncle Nick,” a title he wore with unmatched pride and affection. Nick was predeceased by his grandfathers, Charles Katsiaficas and Elwood Sawyer, grandmothers, Ann Sawyer and Dorothy Sawyer and other beloved family members.
Nick also shared an unbreakable bond with his dog Mia, who brought him 13 years of loyal companionship. True to his nature, Nick spoiled her endlessly including a filet mignon dinner for every birthday.

A service of remembrance will be held at 11am Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the First Congregational Church, 2 Church Street, Ellsworth, ME.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made in Nick’s memory to the Bangor Humane Society at 693 Mt. Hope Ave, Bangor, ME 04401.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

08/08/2025

Hancock

Joanne E. Munce, age 69, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 5, 1956, in Biddeford, Maine, the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Fleming) Munce. Joanne grew up in Bar Harbor and later settled in Hancock.

Joanne attended MDI High School and became well-known in the Bar Harbor area as the owner and operator of Rockhurst Motel, a business she ran with dedication until her retirement in 2009.

Joanne's true joy in life came from her family. She enjoyed attending concerts with her daughter, traveling with her family, and cherishing time spent with her grandchildren. Whether it was cheering them on at school functions or sporting events, or watching her granddaughters dance on stage, Joanne’s pride and love for her family were always evident.

Joanne is survived by daughter Christine Bagley and her husband Shawn of Hancock; son Shannon Odom and wife Nichole of Brewer; four grandchildren; Jacob and Kaylee Bagley, Khloe and Alayna Odom; brother Robert Munce and wife Rulene of Rhode Island; a niece, nephews, cousins, and her lifelong friend, Richard (Buddy) Adams and his wife Rena of Bangor. She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved grandchildren Isabelle and Carter Odom.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m., Wed., August 13, 2025, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, 449 Ohio St., Bangor.

Joanne’s warm heart, love for her family, and vibrant spirit will be missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace, forever in our hearts.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

07/08/2025

SOUTHWEST HARBOR AND MOUNT DESERT

Thomas Jewett Fernald, 79, died unexpectedly on August 5, 2025, doing what he loved, working outside on one of many landscaping projects on his planned endeavors list. He was born in Bar Harbor, Maine on February 12, 1946, to Robert G. and Norma J. (Crosby) Fernald.

He was a lifelong “native” of Mount Desert Island and loved skiing, boating, and traveling with his wife, Carroll. He was educated in MDI schools and graduated from the New England Institute of Mortuary Science in Boston. He was a partner in Jordan-Fernald and A.C. Fernald Sons, Inc and a practicing funeral director for 45 years. Tom belonged to the Maine Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association for many years. Tom was a lifelong member of the Somesville Union Meeting House, a member of the Somesville Volunteer Fire Department, The Somesville Village Improvement Society, MDI Lions Club, Anah Shrine, Mount Desert Masonic Lodge #120 and the Royal Order of the Jesters. He served on the Marine Management Committee of Mount Desert and The Somesville Landing Corporation for many years and took pride in his contribution to them. Tom was also a past trustee of Maine Coast Memorial Hospital for several terms. He had a willing spirit and always helped others in so many ways through his volunteer work.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Carroll, son Jay (Casey) Fernald, daughter Stephanie (Jack) Goodrich, stepchildren Andrew Boyd, Martha (Matt) Masiello and Susan (Andy) Allen, ten grandchildren Zach and Josh Buzzell, Alex, Anna and Ava Fernald, Jack, Dylan and Cole Masiello and Lily and Violet Allen. He was known to his grands as Grampy Tuna. He was predeceased by his parents, brother and nephew.

Friends may call on August 14, 2025, from 3-6 pm at Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Somesville. Services will be at 11:00 am, August 15, 2025, at St. Mary’s by the Sea, Northeast Harbor followed by a reception on the back lawn behind the Somesville funeral home. Private burial for immediate family only.

If friends desire, the family suggests contributions to The Somesville VIS, P.O. Box 53, Mt. Desert, 04660. and the Westside Food Pantry, P.O. Box 767, Southwest Harbor, 04679.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

31/07/2025

28/07/2025

Bar Harbor

Gregory Allen Spring, 78, died at his home on July 25, 2025. He was born in New York City on November 24, 1946, the son of Thomas Spring and Marrie Perry. Greg lived in New York and New Jersey for many years. He retired to Bar Habor, Maine in 2009.

Greg spent his professional life in the television industry, retiring after 20 years as a Senior Vice President of Broadcast Operations at Madison Square Garden Network. His career in television included events such as sports, musicals, concerts, and documentaries. He received an Emmy Award for his role in the coverage of the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Artistic in nature, Greg channeled his energy into photography. His work was displayed at art shows and galleries around Maine. He and his wife were enthusiastic world travelers and lived in Europe for part of their retirement. Greg's travels further nurtured his passion for photography. The photographs that he took of faraway places became an important part of his legacy.

He is survived by his wife, Grace Nagiecka, and his son, Thomas Karol Spring. Greg and Grace celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in June of 2025.

At Greg's request, no service will be held at this time. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, donations can be made to the Maine Seacoast Mission. Donate at SeacoastMission.org/donate or P.O. Box 600, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

28/07/2025

Bar Harbor

Charles H. Bartlett, 88 died July 26, 2025, at his home with his family. He was born May 14, 1937, in Bar Harbor the son of Henry and Georgia (Richards) Bartlett.

He grew up in Town Hill and graduated in 1955 from Bar Harbor High School. He entered the U.S. Air Force and served until 1959 having been stationed for 3 years in Germany.

Charles met his wife Brenda (Reed) upon returning from his military service while working at the Parkadia Service Station. He enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball when his sons were young. He spent 33 years working for the Towns of Bar Harbor and Mt. Desert Public Works Depts., serving 7 years as the Town of Bar Harbor Public Works Director.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years Brenda; 3 sons, Duane and wife Robin of Trenton, Chris and wife Tracy of Burlington, NC and Matt and wife Lori of Bar Harbor; 12 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be held at 11am, Sept. 6, 2025, at Mountain View Cemetery, Bar Harbor.

Those who desire may make contributions in memory of Charles to Kids Corner, 81 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

04/06/2025

Manset

Granville Eugene Walls, Jr., 99, died peacefully at his home in Manset on June 1, 2025. “Gene” was born on November 16, 1925, in Seal Cove to Granville Eugene and Lurlene (Rumill) Walls.

Gene graduated in 1944 from Pemetic High School and soon enlisted into the Navy. He was in the Pacific Theatre on the ship, USS Freestone, APA 57. Gene did multiple trips to Manila in the Phillipines and to Okinawa. After the surrender of Japan, his ship entered Tokyo Harbor, and he witnessed the devastation of Nagasaki. He made several trips back to the U.S. to bring back troops. On his last trip they transited the Panama Canal and disembarked in Virginia.

Once home, Gene acquired the skills of a boat builder and supervised the crew as they built lobster and pleasure boats. They built one small tugboat “Little Toot” for Gary Moore and it made national TV one evening. Gene’s name is prominently mentioned in the pages of Boatbuilding on Mount Desert Island. After several decades, Gene transitioned into custom building. He built many houses around MDI. He was known for his craftmanship. He enjoyed building furniture and punts during his free time for his children, grandchildren and friends.

In 1954 Gene married Betty Middleton and moved to Manset. They had three children: Laraine, Allan and Susan. In 1977, Gene married Marjorie “Peggy” Trask Holt. They were married until Peggy’s death in 2018. Gene built a camp on Long Pond where he and Peggy enjoyed summers and falls entertaining family and friends. Gene enjoyed boat rides on the Pond and teaching the grandkids how to water ski. Periodically the porch became a barber shop when his brother-in-law, Chick Bond, would come over and they would cut each other’s hair. Gene had the more demanding part of that arrangement as Chick had a full head of hair and well, Gene was close to being bald.

After selling the camp in 2013, Gene and Peggy enjoyed a few cruises and road trips, often with Gene’s sister, Eleanor, and her husband Gene Brown.

Gene’s favorite past times were watching the MDI High School basketball games, the Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics games and he was an avid reader of history books. He was a member of the American Legion.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Laraine (Walls) Wade and her husband, Dennis of Greenfield, MA and Stonington; son, Allan Walls and partner Marnie Saunders of Bar Harbor; Susan (Walls) Jackson and her husband, Lee of Oakfield; step-daughters Deborah (Holt) Terreault of Seal Harbor and Wanda (Holt) Fernald and her husband, Stephen of Mount Desert,; 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Gene was predeceased by his wife, Peggy, stepson, David Holt and sisters Eleanor Brown and Betty Fernald..

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3-4pm, June 12, 2025, at Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Maine St., Mt. Desert where a memorial service will follow at 4 pm with a short reception to follow. Interment will be at Hillrest Cemetery, West Tremont.

The family wish to thank Gene’s exceptional and dedicated caregivers, who have assisted Gene these past few years: Alice Fernald, Julie DeRaps, Chhiring Lama, Ruth Falt, Tricia Pope and Stacy Elliott. Also, thank you to Beacon Hospice (Christy, Chrystal, Wendy, Charla and Jack) for their support and guidance.

The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the William Searls Scholarship at The First National Bank, PO Box 86, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 and/or the American Legion, PO Box 1022, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

26/05/2025

Correction of date for Alice Long
Per Alice’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. An informal celebration of Alice’s life will be held 4-7pm, Tuesday, May 27, 2025,at Cafe This Way, 14 Mount Desert St., Bar Harbor following a private scattering of her ashes on MDI.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

16/05/2025

Blue Hill

Eric Todd Bowden, age 53, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Blue Hill, Maine. He was born December 22, 1971, in Blue Hill the son of Winfield B. and Linda L.J. (Nevells) Bowden. He was raised in Penobscot; Eric was a proud graduate of George Stevens Academy and a veteran of the United States Army.

He enjoyed the quiet of fishing and being in nature, finding peace in those simple moments. He also found joy in gaming and reading - gaming offered a fun way to relax and connect with others, while reading gave him the chance to escape into a good story.

Thoughtful and quiet, yet full of warmth and humor, he treasured the simple moments—especially those spent with his children, whom he adored. Eric took immense pride in being a father and was never happier than when surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Melissa Bowden, and their two sons, Kyle and Wyatt Bowden, who were the light of his life; his parents, Winfield and Linda Bowden; his sister Angela Hooper and her husband Dale; and his sister Holly Collins and her husband Josh. Eric was a valued uncle to nieces Amanda Hamilton, Ashley Hamilton, Andrea Hamilton, and Bayne Collins, and nephews Harley Carleton, Dalton Hamilton, and Sullivan Collins. Eric was predeceased by his beloved brother, Winfield Scott Bowden.

Eric was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, an uncle, and a friend.
His absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled, and he will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

A service to honor Eric’s life will be held 1 pm, May 29, 2025, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin Street, Ellsworth. All are welcome to attend and celebrate his memory.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

07/04/2025

Bar Harbor

Virginia “Gina” (Smith) Farnsworth

A much-loved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Virginia “Gina” (Smith) Farnsworth, 95, of Bar Harbor, Maine, passed away at Orono Commons on April 3, 2025. The daughter of John W. and Alice E. (Thurlow) Smith, she was born August 29, 1929, in the small town of Lee, Maine.

She graduated from Lee Academy and her first job was as a telephone operator in Connecticut. She married Bion Calvin Farnsworth of Bar Harbor, Maine, on May 20, 1950, at Lee, Maine. Wanting to live by the ocean (having visited Bar Harbor on a class trip), she moved to Hulls Cove, where Bion had a boat yard.

She had five children and while they were growing up, she was the consummate housewife/mother. She was a Den Mother for many years for her only son’s troop as well as a co-leader of her daughter’s Y-Teen group. She later began working for the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce when it was basically a one-person office and continued to work at various positions with them for over 50 years. A member of the Church of Our Father in Hulls Cove, she held various positions, including Senior Warden and treasurer of the church’s fair committee for many years. She was also a member of the Bar Harbor American Legion Auxiliary for several years. Always a volunteer for the Bar Harbor YWCA, she worked on many projects, including with the Food Pantry. Through them, she was selected as the Woman of the Year. A member of the Bar Harbor Rotary Club, she was one of the first women to receive the Paul Harris Fellowship in 2001-2002 program year.

Remaining to cherish Gina’s memory are her children Judy Farnsworth of San Carlos, California; Kathy Harris and husband Zan of Portland, Maine; Peter Farnsworth of Stratton, Maine; Pam Farnsworth of Southwest Harbor, Maine; and Karen Farnsworth and husband Todd of Connecticut; grandchildren Justin Czujko; Kristin Greene and husband Sam; Christopher and wife Meg Bradgon; Shawn Harris and wife Crystal; Sarah Farnsworth; Katherine Phillips; Ocean Dunton; and Hannah Farnsworth; great-grandchildren Marlow Greene, Carter Greene, Greyson Bragdon, Harper Bragdon, Annabelle Harris, Lydia Harris, Jackson Harris, Wiekko Sillanpaa, Bion Sillanpaa, Emma Berube, Brenna Farnsworth, Acadia Dunton, Addison Dunton, and Chandler Magee. Gina was predeceased by her parents, her husband Bion Calvin Farnsworth, her brother Charles Smith, son-in-law Gregg Doran, daughter-in-law Sharon Farnsworth, and grandchildren Zanders Kerry Harris and Joshua Bion Farnsworth.

Friends are invited to call from 2-4 pm. Fri., April 11, 2025, at Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mt. Desert. Memorial Services will be held in July 2025, at the Church of Our Father. Interment will be private at Hillside Cemetery, Hulls Cove.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

03/04/2025

Bar Harbor - Jennifer Westphal, 66, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on March 23, 2025 after a 22 year battle with brain cancer.
Jennifer was born on March 29, 1958, ten minutes before her younger twin Janice, to Alvah and Alberta (Dunton) Strout of Bar Harbor. She was raised in DeGregoire Park alongside her five siblings. The park was a fun place to live, with plenty of kids to play with and woods and beaches to explore. One of her favorite activities growing up was riding her horse, Flicka, that she shared with her twin.
Jennifer attended MDI High School, and while running cross-country there she met her future husband and love of her life, Michael. After graduation, she began working as a weaver for Dunlap Weavers where she developed the skills that led to her lifelong love of creativity and the arts.
In 1982, Michael and Jennifer were married, Jennifer in a wedding dress she made and wove herself. After the birth of their first son Gabriel in 1983, they made the decision to move out to Great Cranberry Island into Michael’s family home. Their younger son Brendon arrived in 1985, and two years later they broke ground on their own house on a lot nearby the Westphal family home. Jennifer continued her career as a freelance seamstress, helped Michael build the house, and cleared the land of stumps, trees and brush, all while raising two young boys. Before long they had transformed a messy wood lot with a rundown old shed and two buried cars into a beautiful homestead.
Despite her initial reluctance to move there, Jennifer quickly fell in love with the island and became a very dedicated member of the community, joining the school board and volunteering for many events. She loved helping with the island fairs and baking her famous rolls for fundraisers at the Ladies Aid. It was rumored that the volunteers at the Fire Club suppers would always tuck away a small batch of her rolls in case they were to run out toward the end of the line. She sewed costumes for her kids and filled her home with whimsical stuffed animals and dolls. Many of the dolls and creations have found homes with friends and Cranberry locals. She gave life to one of her favorite creations, a tiny mystical creature she named a Woodwink. Made of cloth, with a sculpted face adorned with lichen, tiny shells, sea glass, and grass seeds, these creatures were said to live on the backshore of Cranberry where the forest meets the sea. If you were lucky enough to ever see one, they would disappear in a wink of an eye.
A wonderful mother to her two sons, Jennifer dedicated herself completely to her family, never missing an important sports game or event. Her homemade gifts made Christmas extra special. Her happiest place was hiking to the beach at Great Head Cove with her family and a picnic lunch to enjoy an afternoon in the sunshine. She was always there to listen and give straightforward and honest advice. After the brain tumor, the advice got even more straightforward and honest.
Later in life, she could often be found at home working in her gardens or having lively phone calls with her twin. Despite her brain tumor, she worked many years at Westphal Builders, answering phones and helping Michael build and renovate island homes. In her leisure time she enjoyed sitting on her deck that faced the ocean, documenting and learning about the many birds that visited every spring, creating intricate needlepoints, and watching Star Trek and the Red Sox. Mostly she enjoyed the peace that came with living in the woods on a small island. In her journal she wrote of lying in bed with the window open, listening to the waves lap against the beach and docks that sat a short walk through a woods path to the shore. She faced her brain tumor with determination, grace and a certain indeterminable humbleness, with an appreciation for the gifts life could give, both big and small.
Jennifer will be remembered for her love for her husband and family, her easy laugh and great sense of humor.
She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Michael Westphal, her son Gabriel (Anna), son Brendon (Shannon), and granddaughters Maeve and Parker. Her Strout siblings are twin sister and longtime caregiver Janice (Alex), Stephen (Helen), Joe (Terry), Ann (Stephen) and Penny (Thomas). Her Westphal family in laws are Sarah, Gretchen, Joan, James (Elle) and Rolf (Joannie). In addition to her parents, Jennifer was predeceased by her mother in law, Ruth Westphal, father in law David Westphal, brother in law Chris Dawson, and special family friend Elaine McFarland.
There will be visitation hours from 1-3 PM on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Jordan Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. The family will be meeting privately on Great Cranberry Island at a later date to spread her ashes. Gifts in Jennifer’s memory can be made to the Cranberry
Island Community Center.

02/04/2025

Sullivan

Mary (Cissie) Dehlinger Donohue passed away peacefully in her beloved home in Sullivan Harbor, Maine on
March 31st, 2025, at the age of 86.

She was born in Grafton, West Virginia on April 26th, 1938, to Beatrice M. Shields and John A. Dehlinger. She was the wife of the late, great John P. Donohue II and sister of the late and acclaimed Maine fine artist, John A. Dehlinger. She resided in Philadelphia and Upper Darby, PA for many years until her retirement to Maine in 1992.

Cissie attended Notre Dame Moylan High School and graduated in 1956. She received her RN diploma from St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington DE in 1959, where after, her work took her to Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Darby, PA to work as an emergency room nurse and also helped establish clinics for Boeing Aircraft.

In 1988, she received her Master's certification in Graphoanalysis from the Chicago Institute.

Her greatest joy was having the pleasure and honor of raising her four children. Cissie considered it to be a form of art and a responsibility to bring out the beauty in them...she believes she succeeded.

She valued immensely the lively discussion of life, and philosophic principles that brought meaning to her, her family and close friends, where elevating the human spirit was the task of every discussion.

Cissie is survived by her four children; Brett (Dwight), Kris (Sylvie), Celeste (Nyx), John, her grandson, Patrick, her sister, Roselyn (Bill), and numerous nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. She is also survived by her closest friends, Maddie, Bernice, Marcia, and Dodi, who shared her journey and lived the wisdom they discovered. She is also survived by her loving caregiver, Flo.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pierre Monteux School for conductors and orchestra musicians, 42 Melody Lane, Hancock, ME, 04640. (One of Cissie's many joys in life was music).

Private services will be held by the family.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com