Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes Machias Obituaries

Introduction to Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes Machias

Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes Machias is a trusted and compassionate funeral home located at 220 Court Street, Machias, ME, 04654. For generations, the Bragdon-Kelley family has been dedicated to providing exceptional funeral services to the families of Washington County. With a long history of serving the community, this funeral home has earned a reputation for its commitment to excellence, kindness, and understanding.

A Legacy of Compassionate Care

Founded on a foundation of trust, respect, and empathy, Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes Machias has been a pillar of support for families during their most difficult times. The funeral home's legacy is built on the principles of providing personalized attention, guidance, and care to each family they serve. Their experienced team is dedicated to ensuring that every detail is meticulously attended to, allowing families to focus on celebrating the life of their loved one.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Elizabeth Ann (White) Woodward Smith - February 24, 1927 - March 03, 2024

Departed: 03/03/2024 (Machias)

Obituary Preview: Jonesport - Elizabeth Ann (White) Woodward Smith, 97, left this earth on March 3, 2024. Elizabeth, better known at "Betty," was born February 24, 1927, in Bidderford, the only child of Clinton and Marion White.

Growing up, Betty lived on the Addison side of Indian River. She was educated in the Jonesport school system and graduated from Jonesport High School with the class of 1944. Betty spent summers with her aunt and uncle at their camp in Millinocket. After graduation, she moved to Providence, Rhode Island, during World War II and worked in a knife factory. Upon returning to Maine, she entered nurse training at Rumford Community Hospital and graduated as a registered nurse in 1948. Betty returned to Jonesport and married Delwin Woodward in July 1948. In 1951, their daughter, Catherine was born and in 1960 their son, Carl, and Betty began raising their family. During Betty's early years as a nurse, she worked with a number of local doctors. Betty worked at Down East Community Hospital until her retirement in the 1980s and assisted with many births during her time there. She always remembered "her" babies.

Betty was a lifetime member of the Tuesday Night Club - the "girls" are together again! She enjoyed reading, sewing, and the daily crossword puzzle. One of her favorite places was her little camp at Schoodic, where she enjoyed time with her children, grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren in her later years. We will always remember the sound of her feet pounding off the wharf on summer mornings followed by a splash.

Betty was a cat lover and spoiled many special cats over the years. She was also an avid bird watcher and spent hours watching birds from her dining room window. In 1988, Betty married Robert Smith and enjoyed his companionship and family until he passed in 1998. Together, they traveled the Caribbean, and she enjoyed being a part of the many Shrine events that they attended with the Mini Car unit. Betty spent the final years of her life as a resident at the Maine Veterans' Home in Machias. We cannot thank everyone there enough for the kindness and compassion they showed to her and her family during her time there.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, Clinton and Marion White; her first husband, Delwin Woodward; her second husband, Robert Smith; and her grandson, Timothy Leddy. Those surviving Betty include her daughter, Catherine Leddy and husband, Tom, of Brownsville, Texas; son, Carl Woodward and his fiancee, Rebecca Dostie, of Belgrade; two granddaughters, Jennifer Shreiner and husband, Sabastian, and Jeanna Carver and husband, Byron; and four great-grandchildren, Jazmin and Kennedi Carver, and Coraline and Nadia Shreiner.

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Leonard Welch Bowles - November 18, 1928 - April 28, 2024

Departed: 04/28/2024 (Machias)

Obituary Preview: Machias—Leonard W. Bowles, husband of Jean Bowles, died April 28, 2024 at Bangor Veterans Home. He was born in Machias, November 18, 1928, the son of Elliott and Mary (Welch) Bowles. Leonard was the valedictorian of Machias High School, Class of 1946, and attended the University of Maine at Orono for two years before joining the United States Air Force. He married Mabel Griffin in 1950 at the start of the Korean War.

After his discharge in 1952, the couple moved to Orono, where their three sons were born. While in Orono, Leonard received degrees in Electrical Engineering. After teaching in the EE Department at the University of Maine for five years, he joined the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and the family moved to Lexington, Massachusetts. At the Laboratory, Leonard worked on the development of low-noise receivers, satellite communications systems, and special radars. In 1968 he took a foliage-penetration radar to Vietnam and trained members of the 1st Army Division in its operation at sites near the Cambodian border.

In 1971, Leonard was appointed leader of the Satellite Technology group at Lincoln Laboratory, a position he held until his retirement. Here were designed and built prototype microwave, millimeter wave, and optical satellite systems for the Air Force and Navy--demanding but exciting jobs.

During partial retirement in 1989, and full retirement in 1992, the Bowles traveled over much of the world and were both very active in the First Parish Unitarian Church of Lexington. Leonard took up his saxophone again, playing with the Lexington town band and a seniors' swing band.

In 2000 the couple returned to Maine and enjoyed their modern house on the water in Machias. Leonard served as trustee of the Machias Bay Chamber Concerts and as treasurer of the Sunrise Senior College. He was also a member of Post 9 of the American Legion. The cabin on Bog Lake was now close at hand as well. Unfortunately, retirement together was cut short by Mabel’s death in 2009, following heart failure and Alzheimer's disease.

For more than 40 years, Leonard and the boys looked forward to their annual trips to the Old Stream fishing camp. Hunting trips in November with Sherwood, Dick and the gang were good times as well, making many cherished memories.

In 2012 Leonard and Jean were married at the harbor in Cutler. He greatly enjoyed his expanded family and loved Jean very much.

In addition to his wife Jean, Leaonard is survived by two sons: Gregory and wife, Dorothea of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Brian and companion, Vickie of La Mesa, California; grandson, Scott and wife, Sarah of San Diego, California. He also leaves stepchildren and spouses: Alan and Carol, Deborah and Sidney, Pamela and Robert, Dean and Susan, and Forest. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mabel; son, Mark; sister, Mary, and her husband, Stuffy Calowell.

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Funeral Services Offered

Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes Machias offers a wide range of funeral services tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each family. From traditional funeral ceremonies to cremation services, memorial gatherings, and graveside burials, their experienced staff will guide you through the planning process with compassion and understanding. They also provide assistance with obituaries, death certificates, and other necessary documentation.

Cremation Services

In recognition of the growing trend towards cremation, Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes Machias offers a variety of cremation options. Their state-of-the-art crematory ensures that your loved one is treated with dignity and respect throughout the cremation process. Families can choose from direct cremation, cremation with a memorial service, or a traditional funeral followed by cremation. Whatever your preference, their caring staff will help you navigate the process with sensitivity and understanding.

Pre-Planning and Pre-Funding Options

Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes Machias understands the importance of planning ahead. By pre-planning your funeral arrangements, you can spare your loved ones from making difficult decisions during a time of grief. Their experienced staff will guide you through the pre-planning process, helping you make informed decisions about your final wishes. Additionally, they offer pre-funding options to alleviate financial burdens on your family.

Facilities and Amenities

The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide a comforting and peaceful atmosphere for families and friends gathering to celebrate the life of their loved one. Their spacious visitation rooms, chapel, and reception areas are tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities to ensure a dignified and memorable farewell. Ample parking and wheelchair accessibility ensure that all guests feel welcome and accommodated.

Community Involvement

Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes Machias is deeply committed to giving back to the community they serve. Through various charitable initiatives and sponsorships, they demonstrate their dedication to supporting local organizations and events that benefit the people of Washington County. By engaging with the community in meaningful ways, they foster strong relationships built on trust, respect, and mutual support.

A Commitment to Excellence

Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes Machias is proud of its long-standing reputation for excellence in funeral service. Their commitment to providing exceptional care is reflected in their membership with professional associations such as the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and the Maine Funeral Directors Association (MFDA). These affiliations ensure that their staff stays updated on industry best practices, enabling them to provide innovative solutions and unparalleled service to families in need.

Contacting Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes Machias

If you're seeking a trusted partner to guide you through the funeral planning process, look no further than Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes Machias. You can reach out to them by phone or email to inquire about their services or schedule an appointment. Their compassionate staff is always available to offer support and guidance during your time of need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It's often used to share information about the deceased with family, friends, and community members.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also providing essential information to those who knew them. They can also help to notify people of funeral or memorial service arrangements, allowing them to pay their respects.

Who typically writes an obituary?

In most cases, the obituary is written by the family of the deceased, often with the assistance of a funeral home or crematorium. In some instances, a close friend or colleague may also contribute to the writing process.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the deceased's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include information about funeral or memorial services, charitable donations, or other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary greatly, depending on the individual and the publication in which it will appear. Generally, online obituaries can be longer and more detailed, while print obituaries may need to be shorter due to space constraints.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many online obituary platforms and newspapers allow you to include one or more photos of the deceased. This can help to personalize the obituary and make it more meaningful to readers.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

The process for submitting an obituary to a newspaper varies depending on the publication. Typically, you'll need to contact the newspaper's obituary department directly and provide them with the written obituary and any accompanying photos or information.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, it's becoming increasingly common for people to write their own obituaries in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise that allows you to reflect on your life and legacy, while also ensuring that your final words are truly your own.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, usually including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary, on the other hand, provides a more detailed account of the person's life and accomplishments.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the newspaper or online platform you choose. Some publications may charge by the word or line, while others may offer package deals or flat fees.

Can I edit an obituary after it's been published?

In most cases, it's possible to make minor corrections or updates to an obituary after it's been published. However, significant changes may not be possible once the obituary has gone to print or been posted online.

How long do online obituaries remain available?

The length of time an online obituary remains available varies depending on the website or platform. Some sites may keep obituaries archived indefinitely, while others may remove them after a certain period of time.

Can I include humor or anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! Obituaries don't have to be somber or serious. Including humorous stories or anecdotes can help to capture the personality and spirit of the deceased.

What if I'm unsure about what to include in an obituary?

If you're struggling to write an obituary or unsure about what information to include, consider consulting with a funeral director or asking a friend or family member for guidance.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Yes! Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing news of a loved one's passing and reaching a wider audience. Many funeral homes and online obituary platforms offer tools to help you share the obituary on social media.

Is it necessary to include funeral service details in an obituary?

No, but it's highly recommended. Including funeral service details helps ensure that friends and family know when and where they can pay their respects.

Can I include quotes or poems in an obituary?

Absolutely! Quotes, poems, or other literary passages can add depth and meaning to an obituary. Choose something that resonates with the deceased's personality or interests.

What if I want to keep the funeral service private?

If you prefer to keep the funeral service private, you can simply omit this information from the obituary. You may still want to include details about how friends and family can offer condolences or make donations in lieu of flowers.

How do I handle errors or inaccuracies in an obituary?

If you notice an error or inaccuracy in an already-published obituary, contact the newspaper or online platform immediately. They should be able to correct the mistake as soon as possible.

Can I republish an old obituary online?

If you have access to an old printed copy of an obituary, you may be able to republish it online through various archival websites or genealogy resources. Be sure to check copyright laws before doing so.

Are there any specific guidelines for writing an LGBTQ+-inclusive obituary?

Yes. When writing an LGBTQ+-inclusive obituary, use language that respects and honors the deceased person's identity and relationships. Avoid using outdated terms or assumptions about gender identity or sexual orientation.

How do I write an effective condolence message in response to an obituary?

A heartfelt condolence message should express sympathy for the loss while also acknowledging the deceased person's life and impact. Keep your message sincere, brief, and respectful.

Can I use online templates or examples when writing an obituary?

Yes! Online templates and examples can provide valuable guidance when writing an obituary. Feel free to adapt these resources to fit your needs and create a unique tribute to your loved one.