Arlene E. Bardsley

NORWAY — Arlene Elizabeth Bardsley passed away Saturday, June 15, 2013, on her 95th birthday.

She was born Arlene Elizabeth Sheehan in North Andover, Mass. on June 15, 1918, to William J. and Amelia Bruce Sheehan. She attended schools in Lowell and graduated from Lowell High School. Her mother passed away when she was young and she and her sister Alice went to live with an aunt in N.H.

Summers were spent in North Bridgton, where her father was a chef at Long Lake Lodge. She met and later married Clayton Bardsley of Bridgton in 1935, and made her home there. Clayton, or “Pezo,” a nickname many knew him by, was an avid sportsman and introduced her to the outdoor opportunities the area offered. She developed into an excellent marksman and was State Pistol Champion for two years. They enjoyed hunting and fishing for many years at their camp off the Saco River in Fryeburg. As her husband’s health began to fail she helped run the family business, J. T. Bardsley, Co., on Main Street in Bridgton. After Clayton’s death in 1978 she moved to Naples, where she enjoyed life until her own failing health forced her to live at Norway Rehabilitation and Living Center.

Arlene was predeceased by her husband Clayton; her parents Amelia and William; and her sister Alice.

She is survived by two sons, Joseph and wife Susan, and Thomas and wife Diane; grandchildren, Ursula Jillette, Samuel Bardsley, Joshua Bardsley and Kyle Bardsley; great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Cayla, Campbell, Camryn, Jacoby, Drew and Kara.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, June 24, 2013 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, South High Street, Bridgton, with a reception downstairs immediately following the service. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bridgton Public Library. Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com