FALMOUTH – Gwendolyn B. Purinton, 96, died very peacefully May 27, 2006. Born Jan. 21, 1910, in Albion, she was one of 12 children of Seth and Ethel Bradstreet. She grew up on the Bradstreet family farm in Albion and graduated from Besse High School in 1927. She was also a graduate of Gilmans Business School in Bangor. Gwen married Earle W. Purinton in 1942, spending most of their lives in Falmouth Foreside. She was predeceased by him in 1985. Gwen was a member of many clubs and organizations including, The Deering Chapter No. 59 Order of Eastern Star and was a past matron, a 55-year member of the Foreside Garden Club, a lifetime member of the Garden Club Federation of Maine, Woodfords Club, a local arts and crafts group and the Woodfords Congregational Church. Some of her many interests were playing bridge, gardening, knitting, crewel work and she was an avid sports fan. Gwen was fortunate to witness the Boston Red Sox World Series wins in 1918 and 2004. She was awarded more than 50 garden club awards in the 1960’s and 1970’s, during her many years as a garden club member. Gwen was an integral part of the Bradstreet family reunions and celebrations where she inspired multiple generations with her wisdom, humor and endless knowledge. She greatly enjoyed early years with her husband, Earle, at the family home on Pushaw Lake. She is survived by three sisters, Lucile Sawlivich of Albion, Ethelyn Russell of Winslow and Virginia Hutchins and husband, Deane, of Veazie; two brothers, Cecil Bradstreet and wife, Faye, of Albion and Seth Bradstreet Jr. and wife, Betty, of Dexter; sisters-in-law, Freda Bradstreet of Palermo, Virginia Bradstreet of Albion and Viola Giffin of Orrington; 50 nieces, nephews and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. She was predeceased by sisters, Clora Perkins, Winifred Worthing and Alberta Macklin; brothers, Frederick Bradstreet, Clair Bradstreet and Donald S. Bradstreet. At Gwen’s request there will be no visiting hours. Neighbors, family and friends will gather to share stories and memories of Gwen 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at her home in Falmouth. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Sunday, June 11, at the Purinton lot at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor with the Rev. Robert T. Carlson, Chaplain of the Penobscot County Sheriffs Dept. officiating. Family and friends are invited to meet 10:45 a.m. at the superintendent’s lodge at Mount Hope Cemetery, 1048 State St., Bangor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foreside Garden Club, in care of Cecelia Cierpich treasurer, 17 Whitney Rd., Falmouth, ME 04105. To all of Gwen’s close neighbors and friends the family wishes to thank you for being there for her. We will be forever grateful for all of your support. Arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Messages of condolence or memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com