Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes

11/22/2023

Winter Harbor—Charles Daniel Arnett, 75, passed away on the morning of November 18, 2023, surrounded by those he loved. “Dan” was born November 15, 1948, in Greenville, Kentucky to Thomas and Ressie (Rose) Arnett.
At age 17, Dan became the youngest embalmer in Kentucky history. After that accomplishment, Dan joined the United States Navy, where he enjoyed a 22-year career. While stationed in Winter Harbor, Maine, he met Rose Faulkingham, and they married in 1979. Dan and Rose had three boys, Chris, James, and Charlie.
Dan enjoyed cooking and telling “stories.” Following his retirement, Dan enjoyed winter vacations in Eleuthra, Bahamas with Rose. He was an active member of the Birch Harbor Baptist Church
Dan is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rose; sons, Chris and Charlie; daughter, Maggie; grandchildren, Emelia, Ella, Elijah, and Lucienne Arnett, all of Winter Harbor.
In addition to both parents and a brother, Larry Arnett, Dan was preceded in death by his son, James, in 2003.
A funeral Service will be held at 1PM, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Birch Harbor Baptist Church, 470 Main Street, Birch Harbor, Maine with Reverand William Thomas officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Dan’s name to the community charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Ellsworth, where online condolences may be shared: www.bragdonkelley.com
“Fair winds and following seas, shipmate. We have the watch.”

11/19/2023

Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes. Let our family serve yours.

11/16/2023

Steuben—George Featherston Holland, 89, of Steuben, passed on to meet the Lord on the morning of November 5th at his home, after some sudden health complications.

George was born August 21,1934 to the late Wellington and Doris (Smith) Holland in Steuben, where he resided his whole life. He was a constable of Steuben, then for many years, a bus driver and custodian for the local school, before working at Wyman’s, where he spent the rest of his working days, prior to his retirement.

Upon retirement, George began spending more time just being with family. He was a creative and skilled carpenter and farmer in his pastime and would often be found working in his garden. He enjoyed the outdoors his whole life, fishing, hunting and just exploring nature.

George left behind a daughter, Elizabeth Hammond-Holland, who passed seven days later on November 12; her three children, Abbie, Justin and Alycia Hammond; two nephews, Steve Burgess and his son, Corey, along with Corey's mother, Megan, and Alan Burgess and his wife, Brooke along with their two sons, Keith and Brayden.

George was predeceased by his first wife, Irma (Fickett) Holland in 2004, and by his second wife, Alvina Holland in 2015. He was also predeceased by his younger sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Burgess in 2022.

Guests are invited to joint visiting hours to celebrate the lives of George Holland and his daughter, Elizabeth Holland Hammond from 3PM to 5PM Friday, November 17, 2023 at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Milbridge. A Funeral Service will be held for both 1pm, Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Faith Bible Fellowship, 77 Back Bay Road, Milbridge.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge, where condolences may be shared: www.bragdonkelley.com

11/16/2023

Steuben -- Elizabeth Ann (Holland) Hammond, 57 of Steuben Maine passed on to meet the Lord at Seaport Village in Ellsworth Maine, on the morning of November 12th after her long fight with metastatic breast cancer.

Born to George and Irma (Fickett) Holland, on June 30th, 1966, in Bar Harbor Maine MDI, she lived in Steuben her whole life. Elizabeth worked in various local grocery and convenience stores in her younger years, then at Wyman's C&D, before marrying and having her three children. Elizabeth decided to be a stay-at-home mom. Later in life, she and her husband divorced, and she resumed work, this time as a receptionist at the Red Barn Motel in Milbridge until her cancer diagnosis. Elizabeth then spent the rest of her earthly days at home watching her favorite TV shows, playing her favorite games, or out with her three children enjoying the time God had given her.

She enjoyed being in the comforts of her own home most of her life and pursuing her artistic hobbies. She was a skilled and creative painter, as well as a seamstress, and later in life a short story writer. Although she enjoyed being at home, she loved the salty breeze of the ocean and feeling sand between her toes. She also had a deep passion for all animals and took a great interest in knowing everything about caring for them properly.

Elizabeth leaves behind her three children, Abbie, Justin and Alycia Hammond and Alycia's fiancé DeShawn Elder; two sisters, Linda Rolfe and husband, Ambrose along with their children Bruce, Kimberly, Pamela Farnsworth and husband, Larry along with their children, Wayne and Tammy.

Elizabeth was recently predeceased by her father, George Holland who passed away on November 5th and her mother, Irma Fickett Holland in June 21, 2004.

Guests are invited to joint visiting hours to celebrate the lives of George Holland and his daughter, Elizabeth Holland Hammond from 3PM to 5PM Friday, November 17, 2023 at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Milbridge. A Funeral Service will be held for both 1pm, Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Faith Bible Fellowship, 77 Back Bay Road, Milbridge.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge, where condolences may be shared: www.bragdonkelley.com

11/15/2023

Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes. Let our family serve yours.

11/13/2023

Bragdon-Kelley. Let our family serve yours.

10/25/2023

https://youtu.be/7J-3Mpi4X7s?si=OOn7u23Sj-DeAZYx

10/22/2023

"Made these last weekend and they were incredible. Served them to out of town guests and they were a big hit!!!"

Recipe in comments ⬇️

Raspberry Cheesecake Rolls

10/21/2023

https://youtu.be/h96NaGWlpW4

10/18/2023

Bangor, Maine- Jean A. Totman (87), passed away October 13,2023, at her Winterberry Heights Assisted Living residence after a brief illness. Jean was born July 22, 1936 in Brewer, Maine, the daughter of Edward and Doris (Buck) Goody.
Jean attended Morse High School in Bath, Maine and subsequently earned her GED. Jean married Captain Arthur E. Totman, settled in Bucks Harbor and celebrated 61 years together before his death in 2018.
Jean was a longtime homemaker and enjoyed several years as part of the staff at the Fort O’Brien School, where she eventually earned from the children, the much-enjoyed title of “Mrs. T.” She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, active in the local Cub and Boy Scout troops and a founding member of the Port-Starboard Yacht Club. Jean was an avid reader, enjoyed eating out, and following her favorite football teams. In her later years at Winterberry, she enjoyed Bingo, taking bus trips and visiting with her numerous friends and staff members.
In addition to her parents and husband, Jean was predeceased by her brothers, Robert, Jack, a sister, Ellie and by a great-grandson Mateo. Jean also enjoyed the companionship of several canine family members over the years.
Jean is survived by her daughters, Deborah Whitman and husband, Tommy of Marshfield, Robin Beal and husband, Scott of Baileyville, Melony Beal and husband, Bill of Tyrone, Ga.; sons Loring Totman and partner, Nancy of Franklin and Thomas Totman of Bangor; nine grandchildren, Megan LaPlant and husband, Matthew, Kirby Murphy and husband, Mike, Chad Beal and companion, Troy, Sean Whitman and wife, Catherine, Kelsey Beal, Shelby Whitman, Jacob Beal and fiance’, Austin, Christopher Totman and fiance’, Lindsey, and Amanda Totman and companion, Rob; six great grandchildren, Tyler and Ian LaPlant, Ryan and Carter Murphy and Isabella Irving and Layla Stewart. Jean is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held Friday, October 27 at 11:00AM, Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, 220 Court Street, Machias. A private committal service will take place immediately following at Bucks Harbor Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to The Ark Animal Shelter, 60 Barber Lane, Cherryfield, Maine 04622.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, where online condolences may be shared: www.bragdonkelley.com

09/18/2023

Stonington—Alton L. Hutchinson, 82, died August 26, 2023 at a Boston hospital after a brief illness. He was born at Stonington, Maine August 29, 1940 to Harold and Clermont (Bye) Hutchinson.
Alton was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Alberta Dunham; and brother, Harold, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan (Hardie) Hutchinson of Stonington; daughter, Sandra (Hutchinson) Cousins and husband, Terrence (Buddy) Cousins, Jr. of Clinton; two granddaughters, Heather Cousins of Bath and Megan Cousins of Fountain, Colorado; a special niece, Darlene Hardy, whom he thought of more as a sister, and her daughter, Bonnie of Deer Isle; a special nephew, Arron Larrabee of Blue Hill; many nieces and nephews.
A service will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Ellsworth, where online condolences may be shared.

09/16/2023

Jonesport--We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Steven P. Crowley, husband of Cathy A. (Ouellette) Crowley, both of Jonesport, Maine. He died September 12, 2023 at age 72. Steven passed away surrounded by so much love and his closest family members after a long battle with cancer.

Steve was born February 22, 1951 in Jonesport, the son of Millard P. Crowley Jr. and Ruth P. (Church) Crowley. He was a graduate of Jonesport Beals High School, Class of 1969, and The University of Maine at Machias, Class of 1974, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Education and Accounting. He became a project manager for Washington County’s Soil and Water Conservation District, but the ocean called too loudly to him, and he became a lobster fisherman for the rest of his life - a job that he was blessed to love every day. He married his sweetie sweet, Cathy, on July 7, 1973, and they shared a wonderful marriage for over 50 years.

In addition to his parents, Steve is predeceased by his brother, Bruce Crowley (surviving wife Janet Crowley), and his sister Terry Alley (surviving husband Darrell Alley). He is survived by his sons, Toby S. Crowley and his wife, Beth Crowley of Kailua, Hawaii, and Ryan S. Crowley and his wife, Danica Crowley of Biddeford, Maine; grandson, Tyler Steven Crowley of Kailua, Hawaii; numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Steve was a larger-than-life personality and lived life fully, spreading good cheer contagiously through storytelling and laughter. He loved raising his sons with Cathy (particularly schooling them at basketball), and he was a very proud father to Toby and Ryan and grandfather to Tyler, who called him Bumpy and loved him very much.

He thrived being out on the ocean - the water was his sky. He had so many great friends - too many to name everyone, but particularly enjoyed his daily check-ins from Dennis Smorch, Kenton Feeney, Larry Crowley, and deck visits from Johnny Faulkingham, in the last few years. Remembering old times, chatting about sports or current events, hearing his sons’ voices on the phone everyday, and sharing a cold Coors Light kept him in good spirits as he battled his illness.

Steve was an enthusiastic Celtics and Patriots fan, often dressed from head to toe in Celtics and Patriots gear. He shared this fanship with his sons, who often visited just to watch the games with Dad. Steve had so many adventures fishing, clamming, worming, and wrinkle dragging with his friends. He truly enjoyed lobster fishing on the Cathy Ann, Schoodic, movies, his daily walks along the shore, playing spades, telling stories with friends, joking and laughing, sharing puddies, talking with his sons and grandson, and traveling to different states (and countries) to visit his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandson.

Steve would have wanted to leave us, all who survive him in this world, with the sentiment from the words of this poem:
“The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.
To lose one's wealth is sad indeed,
To lose one's health is more,
To lose one's soul is such a loss
That no man can restore.
The present only is our own,
So live, love, toil with a will,
Place no faith in "Tomorrow,"
For the Clock may then be still.”
― Robert H. Smith
Steve encouraged all of us to not hold back on living life - to do what we want to do now and not wait.

A graveside memorial service to honor Steve’s bountiful life will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, October 7th, at Bayview Cemetery, followed by a private gathering with only close family members present.

In lieu of flowers, Steve’s family invites you to make a donation to a Veteran’s Charity of your choice in Steve’s honor.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Machias, where online condolences may be shared.

09/14/2023

Michele “Shelly” René Goodkowsky
Wiscasset- Shelly Gooodkowsky, 65, died Monday morning, September 4, 2023, at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick after a seven and a half year long battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was born in Bangor, Maine, October 30, 1957, the daughter of the late Karl and Rosamond (Perry) Goodkowsky. She grew up in Bangor, Brewer, Biddeford, and S**o before graduating from Narraguagus High School in Harrington in 1976.
For many years Shelly led an adventurous life. She pumped gas for the legendary Dick Stacey in Harrington, built homes in Mexico, delivered sailed boats to Long Island Sound, was an au pair in Brazil, and managed the Ledgelawn Inn in Bar Harbor where she was Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s personal bartender. She later owned her own woodworking business ‘Pleasant River Designs’ for several years before moving to Wiscasset to start a career as an insulator at Bath Iron Works building ships for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. While at the shipyard, she got involved in the union Local S6 and served as the Treasurer as well as the Chairwoman of the Human Rights Committee. Her work in these positions led her to being a staunch advocate for women and all folks who were discriminated against in the workplace. This work later brought her to D.C. to the then Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell’s office in support of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Shelly was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995, and after many negative experiences during that journey, her story attracted the attention of the Lewiston Sun Journal, who ran a front-page story on Shelly’s experiences. That newspaper piece was a catalyst for many others who stepped forward to share their experiences which led to changes in Maine law as to what health insurance companies had to cover when it came to breast cancer treatment, prosthetics, and more. In her life, Shelly stood up when she saw injustice, and if we are to honor Shelly, we must be like Shelly.
After B.I.W., Shelly worked for many years at R.M. Tate’s in Bath, cleaning homes and taking care of camps, sold tickets for schooners in Boothbay, and was a florist making floral arrangements for many weddings, proms, and centerpieces for Christmas. Later in life, she particularly enjoyed making jewelry, which she sold in stores all over Maine.
After 20 years living cancer free, she was diagnosed once again, this time, with metastatic breast cancer in 2016. The first couple years were very tough, but Shelly reclaimed her outlook over time, and in her own words was “Tougher than a boiled owl” as she defied expectations year after year.
Shelly was very creative and had an entrepreneurial spirit, whether it was working with wood, flowers, or balsam fir, restoring antique furniture, or making jewelry, she was always working on something, a crafter through and through. Her favorite moments were shared laughing and telling stories with family and friends, eating lobster, enjoying fish and chips from Bet’s Fish Fry, gardening, watching Days of Our Lives, listening to Unchained Melody, Perfect Symphony, or Bruno Mars tunes, playing the Maine State Lottery, and drinking Coca-Cola. She tended after many songbirds, crows, and was especially fond of her committee of raccoons and their kits that visited her year after year. She was very generous, often giving people clothes, food, or just sage advice. She served on the Board of Directors for the Woolwich Historical Society and was a very successful fundraiser for that group as well as for Woolwich Days. She will always be remembered for her humor, positive outlook, and her many Shellyisms, which were always one of a kind.
Shelly was predeceased by her parents, and a brother Kevin. She is survived by her son Evan Goodkowsky of Wiscasset, three brothers, Parris Hammond Sr. and wife Sarah of Harrington, David Perry Sr. of Cherryfield, Karl Goodkowsky and wife Sandra of Eddington, companion Todd McPhee of Woolwich, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and wonderful friends that she cherished deeply.
A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at the Wiscasset Community Center from 5-7pm. A Graveside service will be held Friday, September 15, 2023, at 12 noon at Mailey Hill Cemetery in Columbia, Maine followed by a reception at the Columbia Town Hall.
The family would like to thank her care team at Mid Coast Infusion Center as well as her team at CHANS. You folks were very special to her, and she greatly enjoyed your care, friendship, visits, and laughter.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Shelly’s memory to the ‘Cancer Community Fund at Mid Coast Hospital’ P.O. Box 279, Brunswick, ME 04011
Condolences, and messages for Shelly’s family may be sent to 19 Flood Ave, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge, where online condolences may be shared.

08/26/2023

Amanda C. “Amy” Swinford

Amy Swinford passed Wednesday August 9th, 2023, at Community Hospital in Anderson, IN after a brief illness. She was 50 years old.

Amy is survived by her parents, Brenda Swinford of Alexandria and Floyd Swinford of Muncie; Stepsiblings: Michael Todd Swinford of Indianapolis, Patrick Swinford and Nichole Bledsoe of Anderson, Jerrie Bellish of Fishers and Julie Coffey of Smithfield, VA; Aunt and Uncles: Sue Wagner of Anderson, DeAnn and Bill Meredith of St. Petersburg, FL; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Amy was blessed to have a “honorary mother”, Linda Rosencrans, and her children (Amy’s bonus siblings) Autumn Coxe, Jessica Gray and Brady Carr who always loved and supported her.

It is fitting to mention the family that is also feeling her loss greatly. Her family of furry friends, canines:Finn and Gertie; felines: Puff, Stuff, Gwenie, and Miss Meowingham. They will miss the compassion, kindness, and warn lap Amy always shared with them.

Amy was proceeded in death by stepparents: Tony Swinford, Judy Swinford; Uncle Earl Wagner; Grandma Margie Weston; and Cousin Nancy Reed.

After graduating from Highland High School, Amy obtained degrees from University of South Florida and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Amy worked as a funeral director in various locations in Indiana and Maine. She excelled at assisting grieving families through difficult moments. Her true love of all animals helped her specialize in dealing with pet losses and the comfort she expressed to those families was genuine. Her most recent employment was at Alternatives in Anderson as a case manager.

Amy was active in many local per rescue organizations. She supported their work and fund-raising activities with her adoptions, artwork, and donations.

For those who knew Amy well, you never questioned where she stood on a subject, you will miss her sarcastic wit and more appreciate her non pretentious and non-prejudicial attitude. Her determination in any endeavor was unsurpassed and she was “real”, never boastful or pretending. Her love of animals was undeniable. Amy was a strong believer in the afterlife and is probably rolling her eyes at us as we grieve. Rest now Amy. Your work on earth is complete.

Per Amy’s request, her body will be cremated, and a Celebration of Life will occur in the near future. A posting of this event will be made in advance.

Special thanks to Amy’s dear friend and cousin, Sherry Eads, for her assistance and support during this difficult time. Also, many thanks and appreciation to the nursing staff at Community Hospital who cared for Amy during her final days.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Amy to any pet rescue organization of your choice.

08/25/2023

Bar Harbor—Cary Blaine Swan passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born March 12, 1938, in Dixfield, Maine to Stanley and Isa (Horne) Swan. On September 16, 1961, Cary married June Hudon and would have celebrated 62 years of marriage with her next month.

Cary and June moved their family to Bar Harbor in 1968. In 1975, they founded The Swan Agency Insurance & Real Estate, converting the family dining room to an office, before their success warranted their move to the Agency’s permanent location at 43 Cottage Street. Cary never tired of Acadia National Park, where he spent many days biking, hiking or sitting on the rocks in awe of the beauty surrounding him.

Cary cared deeply about his community. In 1968, he played a pivotal role in founding the Bar Harbor Rotary Club. Having been a Rotarian before moving to Bar Harbor, he was key to recruiting the charter members and was the 1972-73 President. Many locals will remember Cary on the last float in the July 4th Parade, recognizing friends in the crowd and inviting everybody to the Rotary Lobster Festival at the ballpark. In 1988, Cary served as the President of the Kebo Valley Golf Club; the year of its 100th Anniversary when the new clubhouse was built. He was a past board member of the MDI Hospital, MEMIC, and was very active in the Independent Insurance Agent’s Industry Association (IIAM).

Cary tapped his love for music by producing, directing, and performing in shows beginning at a young age in Dixfield. In Bar Harbor, he and three friends formed the musical group “The Mostly Oldies”, playing at a variety of events throughout the community. He was the lead vocalist and always enjoyed singing his signature song, “My Way”. In the 1970s, he organized “Swan’s Follies” as a fundraiser for the Jesup Memorial Library, which featured an evening of wide-ranging local talent.

Cary was a natural athlete and a sports enthusiast. He was a star shortstop in his teenage years, playing for the Dixfield Dixies. He later played with the Pine Tree League team, representing Maine for two years at the national tournament in Battlecreek, Michigan. He coached his son Christopher and his teammates through their Little League years. He also was a board-certified umpire. In his 30s, he gathered a local group of hockey players to form a team to play in the Cardiac League at the Alfond Arena at UMaine. Over the years, he became an avid golfer, enjoying many rounds both at Kebo and at his winter home of Heron Creek in Florida. He initiated and organized many tournaments at both courses, always having fun himself and enjoying the fun he was creating for others.

All who knew Cary will miss seeing him riding his scooter through town, working on his tractor on Wayman Lane, tending his flowers and lawn, and greeting everybody from near and far as they walked by on their way to the Shore Path…particularly the dogs he would always pat and kiss.

Cary is survived by his wife June, his children Kimberly Swan, Deanna Sherman and her husband David, Christopher Swan and his wife Denise, and his three grandchildren Evelyn, Cameron, and Lily, as well as his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Isa and Stanley Swan, and his brothers Stanley Jr., Richard, and George. There will be a private family service. Those wishing to remember Cary in a special way may make a donation to a charity of their choosing.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Ellsworth.

08/16/2023

Deer Isle—Rose Ann Hutchinson of Deer Isle passed away August 12, 2023 at the age of 69. Rose, daughter of the late Walter and Alice (Elchak) Shepard, was born April 8, 1954 in Castine, Maine. A few years after graduating from Deer Isle High School, Rose married Tom Hutchinson January 5, 1974 and moved, along with him, to various states during his naval career. They had three children together—Howard, Laurie and Christopher.
Rose worked at various jobs while Tom was serving in the military. She was a waitress, a receptionist and a secretary. She also had a cake-decorating business. She always enjoyed baking and decorating cakes; her favorite cakes to make were wedding and anniversary cakes. Rose also enjoyed making blankets; it was her favorite hobby. Mostly the blankets were for children and babies, although she did make a few for adults.
Upon Tom’s retirement from the service, Rose went on to work as a CNA, first at Island Nursing Home, and later for Hancock County Home Care. Later, Rose and Tom became caretakers on Great Spruce Head Island, where they worked for twelve years. After settling in Deer Isle, Rose returned to the nursing field as a private-duty in-home caregiver.
In addition to her parents, Rose was predeceased by her father-in-law, Howard Hutchinson; mother-in-law, Betty (Robbins) Hutchinson; daughter, Laurie; two brothers, Walter, Jr. and Walter Edward; brother-in-law, Tim Hutchinson and his wife, Barbara; two brothers-in-law, Wes Heath and Jerry Shepard; two nieces, Genice Hutchinson and Jocelyn McGuire.
Survivors who will lovingly remember Rose are her husband, Tom; two sons, Howard and wife, Michelle and Christopher; eight grandchildren, Tyler, Christina, Katie, Tommy, Johnathan, Ariel, Sierra, and Danny; sister, Elizabeth; sister-in-law, Linda; many nieces and nephews.
Visiting Hours will be 3 to 5PM Friday, August 18 at Deer Isle-Sunset Congregational Church, where a funeral service will be held at 1PM Saturday, August 19 with Rev. Frank Shepard officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Ellsworth, where online condolences may be shared: www.bragdonkelley.com

Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes is a locally owned, family-operated business that takes great pride in

08/09/2023

Milbridge—Helen E. Strout, 96, of Milbridge, died Sunday, August 6, 2023 at a Milbridge healthcare facility after a brief illness. Helen was born February 8, 1927, the daughter of the late Milford and
Almena (Sprague) Ray.
Helen was schooled locally and spent her life investing in her family and local community. She even worked for family at L. Ray Packing, where she was a lifelong sardine packer. When she wasn’t working,
Helen was taking care of family, first caring for her two granddaughters, and later for her great-grandchildren who knew her as Mammie.
Helen was predeceased by her husband, Frank M. Strout; brothers, Moses Ray and Milford Ray, Jr.; and sister, Elaine Leighton. Survivors include her son, Michael W. Strout and wife, Jennifer of Milbridge; granddaughters, Jessica Leighton and husband, James of Milbridge and Jillian Smith and husband, Donald of Connecticut; great-grandchildren, Madison Leighton and partner, Brettin Dinsmore, Michael Leighton, and James Leighton, Jr., all of Milbridge, and Donald Smith III of Connecticut. Helen also leaves
behind many nieces and nephews as well as her nursing home family.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00PM, Friday, August 11, Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, 47 Main Street,
Milbridge, with Pastor Owen Beal Officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Evergreen Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, where online condolences may be shared: www.bragdonkelley.com