PRESQUE ISLE – Arlene M. Bell, 63, died Jan. 4, 2005, after an illness spanning 14 years. She was born Feb. 8, 1941, in Woodstock, N.B., to Robert and Muriel (Gartley) White. She spent her early years teaching children at the Centreville Elementary School. Arlene was whisked away to Presque Isle by her husband Clarence, when they were married April 13, 1963. Arlene and Clarence spent many happy years together raising their three children. They had a joyous 40th wedding anniversary celebration in April 2003. She was a devoted, loving wife and mother, and her priority was always raising the family. Once the children were of school age, she worked in banking for almost 20 years. Arlene then spent several years working in retail and finishing furniture, much of which is located throughout Aroostook County. Throughout her years of employment she developed many many lifelong friendships. The day in 1992 that she became a U.S. citizen was one of her most proud and memorable occasions. Arlene was well known for her generosity and contributions to family, friends and those just in need. She thoroughly enjoyed taking pictures (always giving copies to others) and understood the value they would bring to others for many years to come. She also enjoyed making quilts with family and friends, decorating cakes for her children and grandchildren and knitting Christmas stockings for every member of the family. During the last ten years Arlene very much enjoyed finishing furniture. She helped many family members to construct, reconstruct and/or decorate their homes. As a testament to her concern and thought for others, Arlene shopped for bargains-items she would always give away. She was well thought of far and wide as a result of her genuine concern for others. Arlene is also remembered for the many stories she told, a talent she inherited from her mother. Her stories frequently involved the antics of her much loved and enjoyed grandchildren. Arlene and Clarence proudly owned a home in Florida and enjoyed residing there the last four winters. Arlene felt so privileged and blessed for being able to reside in Florida, that she openly offered to share her home with others. In Florida, she developed a close relationship with Bud and Norma Graves, and was very appreciative of their encouragement and support. Arlene was a member of the Bethany Baptist Church in Presque Isle for many years, was a guest of United Church Women’s Group in Centreville and was an honorary member of Williamstown Women’s Institute even though she hadn’t resided in Williamstown for the last 42 years. The lives she touched, the many gifts she made, and memories she created will live in the minds of those who knew her for years and generations to come. Arlene is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Clarence; three beloved children and their spouses, Deborah (Bell) and Roy Whittier of Presque Isle, Carlton and Addy Bell of Presque Isle and Calvin and Jackie Bell of Holden; seven grandchildren, Kyle and Katrina Whittier and Carly and Alison Bell, all of Presque Isle and Jocelyn, Crystal and Clarice Bell of Holden. She is also survived by her mother, Muriel White; sisters, Brenda Giggie, Sheila Kierstead and Marie Cowperthwaite, all of Centreville, N.B.; brother, Roland White of Nova Scotia; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Robert White; her special aunt, Iva Hagerman; and her nephew, Kirby Cowperthwaite. Relatives and friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Friday at the Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle. Funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home with the Rev. James Ackerson officiating. A spring interment will be in the Fairmount Cemetery in Presque Isle. Those who wish may make donations in her memory to the Aroostook Medical Center, Tumor Clinic, P.O. Box 151, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
ARLENE MYRTLE BELL
