Ernestine T. Avery

Ernestine “Tena” Townsend Avery, 92, of Bridgton passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, Nov. 5, 2010.

She was born in Westbrook on July 15, 1918, the daughter of Lawrence and Beatrice Townsend.

Tena worked at Porteous in Portland while her husband was at war, then later was always a smiling and friendly face working at the Naples 5 & 10 and SAD 61 until her retirement. She always put others before herself and had a great love for her family and friends, often referring to her caregivers at Bridgton Health Care as “her girls.”

Survivors include her sisters Barbara King of South Portland and Velma Flanigan of Oxford; her four grandchildren including Jerry Emerson of Bridgton; as well as many other loving nieces and nephews.

Tena was predeceased by her husband Gerald “Jerry” Avery; sister Louise Edwards; brother Ernest “Bud” Townsend; and niece/daughter.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, Nov. 9 at the Raymond-Wentworth Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.