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Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home, 113 Franklin Street, Ellsworth, ME (2026)

02/18/2026

“He set the tone for the Fire Department and made us realize our potential. That tone of professionalism, emphasis on training and advocacy will carry on in his absence.”

02/17/2026

Chief George F. “Skip” Smith

Lamoine

High on the wall above his home desk, beside the accolades of Lamoine Citizen of the Year 2023 and Maine State Spirit of America Foundation award presented by the 132nd legislature and the people of Maine, hangs a rustic wood sign representing the heart and true legacy of Chief Smith. “One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching.” And so, he has.
Born George Forrest Smith in Blue Hill Maine to parents Clavin R. and Mary H. (Stillwell) Smith of Lamoine on February 17, 1949. Skip passed quietly in the night on February 13, 2026, to that all-encompassing vacation resort known as Heaven, with golf clubs, DeMarini bat, glove and Bourbon on ice in hand.

Those who attended the Lamoine one room schoolhouse may recall a young Skip restlessly standing in the front row of the annual school picture with c**n skin cap cocked sideways and shotgun resting between his legs in anticipation of what was known then as physical activity – hunting at recess. Although he never harmed anything in his life, Skip always looked forward to taking his gun “for a walk” each fall.

Skip being an avid reader and history buff, traveled to many historical sites over the years. Initially travelling by car to places such as Gettysburg, Arlington, Philadelphia, Jamestown, and the Freedom Trail to name a few. Once his wife coaxed him onto his first plane ride (Bangor to Hawaii) to Pearl Harbor, he was packed and ready for the Mayan ruins in Chichenitza and Tulum, the Roman Colosseum, Pompei, France, Ireland, and the War rooms of London ahead of everyone else.

Skip was a firm believer in George Santayana’s 1905 saying, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” He was quick to remind people when they failed to keep up with current events and applied his theory to all aspects of his life, both public and private.
After graduation from Ellsworth High School in 1967 Skip volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy only to find out quickly thereafter, the Nation lacked interest in a Maine boy with funny toes and profound White Coat Syndrome.

Quickly brushing off his bruised ego, Skip pivoted to what turned out to be lifelong careers. His first love actually began early in life when at the ripe old age of 2 years old he was entered into a beauty contest starring his flaxen curls. For that, he earned his first red fire truck and the rest is history. As one fellow firefighter and friend noted, Skip had an “uncommon ability to bring people together” as evidenced by the band of firefighters he maintained and the annual support of the community that respected him.

Skip was referred to as the “quiet man with the eye of an artist” by those who understand the complexity of a craft such as stone masonry. Some friends may dispute that, having known him as an “Animal” during his Class A Championship softball days. Following in his father’s footsteps, Skip became a master stone mason. Over the years he traveled through New England building Count Rumford style fireplaces, schools, homes, patios, and the EHS dugouts. His work culminated in hundreds of examples of monolithic artistry that will remain for future generations.
Skip is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol (Phillips) Smith; daughters, Alisha Rose, Megan Maheux and her husband, Christopher; four grandchildren, Brandon and Emily Rose, Kahia and Sawyer Maheux; and great-granddaughter, Leila Rose.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am- 12:30 pm, February 28, 2026 Lamoine School where a service of remembrance will follow. A reception will be held at the Lamoine Fire House immediately following the services. Spring interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Lamoine.

Those who desire may make contributions in Skip’s memory to Skip’s legacy project of providing a LifeVac tool to each Hancock County Fire Rescue Department. Contributions can be sent to Hancock Fire Fighters Association Attn: Chief Smith Legacy Fund PO Box 154 Ellsworth, Maine 04605.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

02/12/2026

Northeast Harbor

Clifford Carl Olson, 83, died February 4, 2026, at Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan. He was born on December 15, 1942, in Holden, Mass., the son of Carl W. and Eleanor I. (Laderman) Olson.

Cliff graduated from Wachusett High School, Holden, Mass. He received his BA in 1965 from the New England College, Henniker, NH., where he was treasurer of his fraternity and co-captain of the basketball team. In 1968 he received his master’s from Keene State College, Kenne, NH.

On January 22, 1966, he married Katherine J. Berdecki, and in September of that year they moved to Mt. Desert Island where Cliff started his career in education. He taught history and English at Mount Desert High School in Northeast Harbor and in 1969 became a guidance counselor and eventually a director at Mt. Desert Island High School. During his career and life, he interacted with many students and individuals through sports, coaching basketball, little league and cross country. He took students bowling, skiing and hiking.

After Cliff retired in 2000, he worked as a tour bus guide and crew leader for Friends of Acadia. He also volunteered at Island Connections, The Land and Garden Preserve and the Northeast Harbor Village Improvement Society where he diligently maintained as well as built trails.

Traveling in his Casita was a winter adventure he looked forward to and was able to explore the country over several trips. He also enjoyed sports, music, gardening, and several outdoor activities, Molasses Pond, Trenton, Orland, and especially running. He ran many races including the Boston Marathon in 1986.

Cliff was proud of his family and felt fortunate that he had the opportunity to see his sons and grandchildren attain their initial goals. He was a kind, gentle, thoughtful, hardworking, fun-loving man who always saw the positive side of individuals. His family often joked that he was “running for governor” as it seemed no matter where he went, he made a connection.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Katherine; two sons, Carl Olson and wife Leah and Michael Olson and wife Sheridy; four grandchildren, Zoe, Cody, Nathaniel, and Lucus; sister Judith Evangelidis; sister-in-law Elizabeth Rivers; a special nephew Lew Evangelidis and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, and his canine pals, Shorty, Jagalon, Skipper, Buster, and his “girlfriend” Ruby.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10-11am, April 4, 2026, with a service to follow at 11am at Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mt. Desert.

Those who desire may make contributions in Cliff’s memory to the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

01/12/2026

Southwest Harbor and Ellsworth

Cheryl L. Smith, 79, died peacefully on January 8, 2026, at Magnolia Assisted Living, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 20, 1946, in Machias, the daughter of Roderick E. and June K. (Chadwick) McDonald.

Cheryl graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1965. She then attended Husson College in Bangor. Cheryl found her soulmate; Thomas C. Smith, and they married in 1986. She was an employee of Carroll Drug Store in Southwest Harbor for many years. Cheryl devoted her time to her large family and the Lord.

As a devout Catholic, she attended Mass at St. Peter Catholic Church in Manset, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Bar Harbor and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellsworth. Cheryl was a member of the Alcyone Chapter #71 OES of Milbridge and Past Matron of the Rubie Chapter #31 OES of Winter Harbor.

Cheryl is survived by two sons, Stephen A. Chipman and Warren C. Smith (Leanne), three daughters, Lisa M. Hammond (Arthur), Karen L. Smith and Joanne L. Montejo (Sam), two brothers, John G. McDonald (Dee-Anne) and Thomas E. McDonald (Karen), three sisters, Alma Bonney (Michael), Juliette McDonald and Monica McDonald (Randy); Aunt Gail McDonald; 7 grandchildren, Shelby, Serena, Brady, Jordyn, Katie, Hanna and Sophia, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Roderick and June, son, Michael V. Chipman, brother, James R. McDonald and husband, Thomas C. Smith.

Viewing hours will be from 10am-11am, Thursday, January 15, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 231 Main St. Ellsworth where a funeral mass will follow at 11am. Spring interment will be at Mt. Height Cemetery, Southwest Harbor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Chadwick Family Educational Scholarship, 167 Turnbull Way, Ellsworth, ME 04605 or Island Connections, 94 Cottage Street, Suite 101, Bar Harbor, Me 04609. Her family is greatly appreciative of her loving caregivers, Ginny, Cindy, Staff at Magnolia Assisted Living and Beacon Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

01/05/2026

Bar Harbor

Jane Holloway passed peacefully in her sleep under the loving care of her daughter, Mary Ann, in Littleton, Massachusetts, and went to be with her Lord and Savior on the 27th of December 2025. Janet (Jane) Margaret Benner was born in Nobleboro, Maine, July 16th 1930, to Arthur and Helen (Getchell) Benner.

Jane walked to grammar school in Nobleboro and Damariscotta Mills. Jane attended Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, Maine, and graduated in 1948. While there, Jane participated in numerous clubs and activities, including Glee Club and Cheerleader, both Band and Orchestra, and both the Latin and French Clubs. She was on the Junior Prom Committee, the Vice President of the Hiking Club, and Assistant Business Manager for the Senior Class Play. In addition to being a Librarian, Jane was on the Lincolnian Board, the Fair Committee, and in the Washington Club.

A vivacious Jane attended Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Virginia, in 1950 and 1951, leading to her Degree in Liberal Arts. While at VI, Jane frequented the Grand Ole Opry, where she developed her lifelong love of country music. On campus, Jane was active in the New England Club, the International Relations Club, including radio work as a DJ, the H2O Club, and the Young Women’s Christian Association. Jane received her Swimmers Instructor Certificate from the YWCA and later taught swimming for the American Red Cross back in Maine. Along with her friend, Bettye, Jane was also active in tennis.

With her Liberal Arts Degree in hand, Jane attended Gorham State Teachers’ College where she continued to stay active in college with Band and Orchestra, the Student Council, and the House Committee. She also enjoyed Art Club, Canterbury Club, Drama Club, Future Teachers of America, and the YWCA. Jane graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Kindergarten – Primary Education.

During the summer of ’52, Jane frequented the Blue Goose Dance Hall in Belfast, where she ensnared a newly separated Air Force veteran. Not wanting this beautiful college girl to get away, the following Winter Break of her senior year at Gorham, John Parker Holloway married Jane on the 14th of December 1952. After graduation, she began teaching in Union, Hope, and Lincolnville, Maine. Jane moved with her growing family to Bar Harbor from Lincolnville Center, Maine, in 1963, and taught for two and a half-years at Edwards Catholic School before getting a Third-Grade teaching position at Ethel I. Connors Elementary School. Jane spent over 33 years teaching before finally retiring in 1992.

While in Bar Harbor, Jane and John joined the Acadian Bells and Buoys (The Harborlighters). Jane worked on the Church Council for the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and belonged to the Daughters of Isabella. Jane was a member of the YWCA, the Maine Teachers Association, and the National Education Association.

One of Jane’s lifelong memories was while they lived near Camden, Maine. Hollywood was filming Peyton Place there and needed people for the band in the movie. Jane got to watch John play his clarinet for the local band in the movie. She had the opportunity to watch some of the filming, which she thought was interesting, and also enjoyed the band while they marched.

Jane had a lifelong fascination with Hawaii. After 50 years of marriage, Jane finally realized her dream of visiting Hawaii while her daughter and family were stationed on Oahu. Jane and John renewed their wedding vows with Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. Not satisfied with one visit, Jane and John visited three summers in a row, to the utter delight of her grandsons. Jane absolutely loved everything about Hawaii – the beach, a luau, the beach, shopping, the beach, the grandsons, and the beach. One visit, Jane did take a break from the beach to visit the big island of Hawaii (home of Pele) where she saw the big volcano, an active lava flow, and a beach with black sand. When Mary and family next moved to Alaska, Jane and John were disappointed they only got to visit one summer for a month. However, in that one visit, they visited Denali National Park and saw moose, bear, salmon, eagles, and other assorted wildlife. Jane did not like the beaches there.

Jane was predeceased by her husband, John Parker Holloway, her infant son, Cedric Parker Holloway, her sister, Beatrice Poole of Portland, and brother, David Benner of Nobleboro. She is survived by her four children, Helen H. (Steve) Strout of Bar Harbor; Mary Ann (David) Jowers of Littleton, Massachusetts; John C. (Sandra) Holloway of Eastport; Nora L. Holloway (Samrith Chap) of Bar Harbor; and Paul C. (Katie) Holloway (Grandson) of Newton, Massachusetts. Jane will also be missed by her eight grandchildren and eight (great-grandchildren), Elana and Chris Diaz (Harrison and Fischer) of Bernard, Jada and Ben Kouba (Jaemin, Brea, and Alden) of Englewood, Florida; Sonya DeWitt of Bangor; Olivia Chap and husband, Andrei Parnomarev of Washington, D.C.; Forest Chap of Fairfax, Virginia; Cooper Chap of Boseman, Montana; (Madeline and Caroline Holloway) of Newton, Massachusetts; Matthew Jowers (Jessanamy) of Ayer, Massachusetts; and John Jowers of Littleton, Massachusetts.

A visitation will be held 2-4pm, Friday, the January 16, 2026, at Jordan Fernald, 1139 Main Street, Mount Desert, Maine 04660.

A Mass will be celebrated 1pm, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 56 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to either Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, or Lincoln Academy, Class of 1948, 81 Academy Hill, Newcastle, ME, 04553. Forever a teacher, Jane wrote the first draft of her obituary as an example to her former students.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

12/31/2025

Blue Hill

John Wesley Herrick, 64, died December 29, 2025 at EMMC, Bangor, with his family by his side. His passing left a huge hole in his family and for all that knew him. The world has truly lost a great and wonderful man.

John was born on July 5, 1961 at the Bangor Osteopathic Hospital. He grew up mostly in Blue Hill, but Addison was also a big part of his life. After John graduated from George Stevens Academy in 1979, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served for 3 years active and then 3 years in reserves. While on active duty, he served aboard the USS MacDonough. He made lifelong friends while in the Navy. John also spent a lot of time during his younger years with his best friend, David Perry, in Cherryfield and had lots of crazy stories about his time with David, Vernie, Shelly, and Alice Perry during those years.

John met Alice Jordan in Cherryfield when she was 19 where she worked summers at the Triple-D restaurant. He ate a lot of burnt pizzas that she cooked for him while getting up the nerve to ask her out. The rest is history – they fell in love, married and had 2 wonderful children and then 4 beloved grandchildren. John was the only man that Alice ever dated and their love is eternal.
John was an exceptional carpenter, and he also had a love for lobster fishing. He owned several Jimmy Beal boats during his lobstering career and his last boat was sold to a fisherman in Kennebunkport that regularly sends him videos of his haul. He so enjoyed receiving those videos. John has left a legacy of beautiful homes, both new and remodeled, across the Blue Hill Peninsula. When John worked for customers, they became his friends and John’s circle of friends was huge. John’s long-time crew were very special to him – Ralph Slaven Jr, Bobby Davis, and Adam Gray were truly his closest friends and helped him to create construction masterpieces.

John built Alice a lovely home in East Blue Hill where he could be close to his mother. After many years of Alice admiring the beautiful kitchens that he built for others, he built her an addition that included a gorgeous kitchen with double ovens, a vaulted ceiling, a large pantry, and old barn boards on the walls. He was so proud of what he built for Alice, and she rewarded him with some great meals and treats. John took great joy in food. He always said that Alice’s cooking was the best and she made sure that he always had his favorite treats. He also enjoyed their weekly trips to Sylvia’s or to The Milbridge House for breakfast.

All that knew, John know that he had the gift of gab. If you ran into John, you had to allow for time to talk about everything and anything. He also had a big heart – whenever her heard about people that needed help, he was there.

John took the greatest joy in his grandchildren. He never grinned wider than when he was with them. Cooper was his first and this makes him special because he got the first piece of Ba’s big heart. Then came Parker, followed by Theo - they both love their Bampa and will often be seen running down across the field to see him and their Meme. John loved to make faces at new baby Viola and see her break out into a smile. He commented just recently that “she was some cute”. His heart and his family were complete with his 4 favorite little people.

John and Alice had the fortune of being able to travel. John enjoyed greatly his trip to Montana with his son, Wesley, to fulfill an independent study project when Wesley was in high school. John also enjoyed cruising with Alice and especially a 3-week long trip to Alaska in 2024.

One of John’s greatest joys was going to camp on Upper Lead Mountain Pond. John and Alice rode for miles on the ATV trails, played cribbage nightly, and enjoyed a fire in the outside firepit. John took great pride in taking a very rough camp and turning it into a showpiece. He loved going there more than anything on the weekends. It was a quiet and special time for John and Alice.

John truly loved animals. After a series of beloved dogs, he came to Lula who is named after his favorite aunt. Lula is an English Setter and by far more intelligent than most humans. She loves her John. He also allowed Alice to build up a herd of 5 cats – some were inherited from their children – that he enjoyed as much as Alice did. He also enjoyed feeding the birds and the deer and one of his greatest joys was deer hunting in the big field behind the house each fall.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Alice (Jordan); his children, Emily C. Davis and husband Adam, their children Cooper John and Viola Alice; Wesley A. Herrick and fiancé Autumn, their children Parker Lewis and Theodore John. He is survived by his sisters Mary Hooper; Marcia Hutchinson and husband Roger; and his sister-in-law Linda Herrick. He is also survived by many special nieces, nephews and cousins, including his niece Kristy Candage who has a heart of gold and his nephew Scotty Herrick who reminded John so much of his dear brother Frank. There was a special place in John’s heart for all the of the Sprague children, but he was especially close to Lori Morse and her husband Danny. He looked forward every week to having dinner with Lori and Danny to share gossip and stories and they are dear in Alice’s heart as well.
John is also survived by his sister-in-law Norma Tarbell and husband Wayne as well as their wonderful children and grandchildren; by sister-in-law Peggy Mitchell and fiancé Jeff; by sister Holly Jordan and fiancé Lawrence. They were all truly family to him and he loved them all.
John is predeceased by so many that he loved, including his mother Edna (Merritt) Atherton and husband (stepfather) Allen, his father Frank Herrick Sr, brother Frank Herrick Jr, Sister Sara Tracy, and sister Marjorie Sprague and husband Richard. John was also predeceased by many uncles and aunts that were dear to him, but his Aunt Lula was by far his favorite and he spoke of so fondly.

A service will be held in John’s honor and memory 1:00 PM on January 5th, 2025 at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. There will also be a sharing of refreshments, a celebration of his amazing and short life, and telling of stories at the VFW Post #109, 419 Main St., Ellsworth where he and Alice had their wedding reception. This will immediately follow the service. John will be laid to rest in the spring with a private ceremony at the Woodbine Cemetery where he will wait for Alice to join him when it is time.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

12/17/2025

Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor

Karen E. Coombs, 82, died peacefully December 2, 2025, at a Bar Harbor retirement facility. She was born December 1, 1943, in Wi******er, MA, the daughter of Wendell L. and Leta E. (Joy)Esterberg.

Karen graduated from Ellsworth High School, class of 1961 and settled in Northeast Harbor in the winters and Trenton in the summers (lovingly known as Bayside). Karen was married to the love of her life Ernest S. Coombs for 52 years and retired from the Jackson Laboratory.

Karen is survived by her sister Gail Royal of Southwest Harbor; children Michael (Lynette) Gordon of Cape Elizabeth, Tracy Gordon (Hank Vachon) of Hudson, NH, Bill (Minh) Gordon of Gray, Steven E. Coombs (Randi Closson) of Trenton, Cindy (Ed) Luiz of Jewett City, CT, Robert (Donna) Coombs of Griswold, CT, Sandra (Fish) Fish of Lisbon, CT, David (Kim) Coombs of Kingsport, TN, Lynn(Ray) Flegert of Lebanon, CT; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and extended family. She was pre-deceased by her husband Ernest S. Coombs and sister Joy Esterberg.

A memorial Service will be held 1:00pm, Sat. January 10, 2026, at Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mt. Desert.

Reception to follow at 2:30pm at Side Street Cafe, 49 Rodick St., Bar Harbor.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

11/04/2025

Trenton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael P. Gilmartin, affectionately known as Gilly, who died at his home in Trenton, Maine, just shy of his 77th birthday. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Michael's spirit has found rest, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and adventure.

Born in New Rochelle, New York, Michael was the cherished son of Robert J. and Carol (Burnham) Gilmartin. He graduated from Wilton High School in 1967, where he was affectionately dubbed the "most loveable" student—a title that would follow him throughout his life. After spending two years at Monmouth College in Illinois, he dedicated himself to the craft of building residential homes, leaving his mark on communities up and down the East Coast.

In 1974, Michael met the love of his life, Starr Cutler, during her summers on Mount Desert Island. Their shared passion for the outdoors and adventure led them to explore breathtaking destinations from South America to South Africa. In August 1977, Michael and Starr married in Bar Harbor, solidifying a partnership that would span over five decades.

In pursuit of their love for nature, Michael and Starr returned to Maine with their young children, where he built their family home in Trenton. Michael's career in the residential building industry flourished, but his talents expanded to include commercial establishments in construction of the Gull Building in Bar Harbor. Later he would remodel homes of his friends, build his daughter’s home in Maine and after retirement took up building furniture for others to enjoy. His commitment to his community was evident through his volunteer work at the local school, his focus on protecting the local environment and his efforts to bring solar energy to the town. Michael's warm and engaging personality allowed him to forge friendships with many, as he had a remarkable ability to strike up conversations with anyone he met.

Michael's zest for life was infectious, and his enduring love for his family was evident in everything he did. He is survived by his beloved wife, Starr, with whom he shared 51 wonderful years; his two children, Justin Gilmartin and his wife, Sophia, of Newbury, MA, and Megan Gilmartin of Leeds, Maine; and his three brothers, Robert Gilmartin of Suwanee, GA, Kerry Gilmartin of Hampden, CT, and Kevin Gilmartin of Newport, NC.

Though Michael did not live to meet his first grandchild, expected in November, his spirit will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be remembered for his boundless love, his adventurous spirit, and his unwavering kindness.

A celebration of Michael's life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to share stories and honor the remarkable man he was. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made Frenchman’s Bay Conservancy https://frenchmanbay.org/ or Somes Meynell Sanctuary Somes Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary | Wildlife Conservation and Education in the Somes Pond-Long Pond Watershed and Beyond in Michael's memory.

Rest in peace, dear Michael. Your love and laughter will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

10/27/2025

Bar Harbor and Milo, Maine

Donald passed away Sunday, October 19, at home with family and staff by his side.

Donald was born March 9, 1959 in Milo, Maine, the son of Ivan DL Brown and Vivian (Skoog) Brown. Donald was a proud member of Downeast Horizons community for over 20 years.

He is survived by his sister, Sylvia (John) Cunningham of Hulls Cove; brother, Paul (Denise) Brown of Glens Falls, NY; sister-in-law, Terry Brown of Milo; extended family Scott and Kristin Hallowell of Calais; their sons Justin (Lindsay) of FL and Nicholas (Jill) of Westbrook; nieces Kimberly and Nicole; and many friends and relatives. Donald was predeceased by his parents; brother, Leon; and sister, Ellen.

A celebration of Donald's life will be held from 11am-2pm, Nov.1, 2025, at MDI Center of Downeast Horizons, 1200 ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.

A graveside service will be announced in the spring of 2026.

Donations may be made in Donald's memory to Downeast Horizons, 77 Union St. Ellsworth, ME 04605.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

10/20/2025

Seal Harbor

Kathleen “Kathy” Marie Branch, 68, died unexpectedly on October 16, 2025, at MDI Hospital, Bar Harbor after a short battle with cancer. She was born on May 18, 1957, in Bar Harbor the daughter of Valerie Marie (Frye) and Lowell Richard Chase, Sr.

She graduated from Mt. Desert Island High School in 1975. A few short years later she married Bertram “Bert” E. Branch, II. They were married for 47 years and enjoyed traveling especially in the Caribbean to St. Martin Island. Last year spending 13 weeks there. Bert and Kathy enjoyed boating. For them a nice day on the water moored near Sutton’s Island with Kathy relaxing and enjoying a crossword puzzle, having a nap and then lunch together was the perfect day.

Kathy worked in several different fields. She started out at Fred C. Lyman Insurance Agency, Bar Harbor as an agent for commercial sales for 20 years. She then spent 13 years as an office manager for Greenrock Company, Seal Harbor. The last job that Kathy had was as a pharmacy technician at West End Drug Store and Hannaford both in Bar Harbor. Kathy served on numerous boards and committees in town and enjoyed her time being a member of the Mount Desert Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution where she served in the capacity as a secretary and treasurer.

Along with Kathy’s husband Bert she is survived by a brother Lowell Chase and wife Terri; nephew Stephen Chase and wife Kelsey; niece Kristen Ricker and husband Darren; grandnephew Marcus Chase, all of Bangor; Aunt Ruth Chase Mitchell of Marietta, GA and many cousins and friends.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held 1-4pm, November 1, 2025, at Seal Harbor Community Center. Those who desire may make contributions in Kathy’s memory to the Seal Harbor Cemetery, Assoc., P.O. Box 74, Seal Harbor or the Seal Harbor VIS, PO Box 171, Seal Harbor, ME 04675.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

09/04/2025

Hancock

Tonya Joanne Colwell, 58, died unexpectedly on September 2, 2025, at her home. She was born January 28, 1967, in Ellsworth, the daughter of Charles H. and Paula L. (Shaw) Colwell.

Tonya graduated from Sumner High School in 1985 and later from the University of Maine in 1991. She was a dedicated employee for 33 years at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital. After her retirement she found the perfect retirement job at Sweet Cheeks Bakery in Ellsworth.

Tonya was an avid reader and loved a good mystery. She believed in the gift of life-and even in passing, she gave to others through tissue donation, a final act of grace that reflected the way she lived. Her home always included her cherished rescued cats-a testament to her boundless compassion for animals and quiet strength. Though she is no longer with us, Tonya’s light continues to shine in every memory, every paw print, and every heart of those she touched.

She is survived by her parents Charles and Paula Colwell of Prospect Harbor; brother Bowen Colwell of Cherryfield; niece Camdyn Colwell of Harrington; and her very best friend, April Daigle of Hancock. She was predeceased by her nephew, Bowen Colwell, Jr.; grandparents, David and June Shaw, Gilbert and Maria Colwell; and Galen and Margaret Crowley, who she thought of as her bonus grandparents.

Private family service will be held at a later date.

Those who desire may make contributions in Tonya’s memory to the SPCA of Hancock County, 141 Bar Harbor Road, Trenton, 04605 or the Schoodic Animal Hospital, 2345 US Highway 1, Sullivan, ME 04664.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home

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