INDIAN ISLAND – Josephine “Pudgy” Szarmach, 85, died peacefully Jan. 3, 2004, at an Orono healthcare facility. She was born Sept. 15, 1918, on Indian Island, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Sappier. Josephine served four years in the U.S. Auxiliary Army prior to World War II. During the war she moved to Connecticut, where she found employment at U.S. Baird Inc., retiring in 1983 after 38 years. She was an excellent bridge player and belonged to a bridge club. Josie returned to Maine in 1996. She is survived by a son, Ronald Bernard of Brewer; a granddaughter, Leigha Anne Bernard of Connecticut; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, John Szarmach; her mother and stepfather, Elizabeth and Henry Bernard; a sister, Ramona Sappier; and a brother, George Sappier Jr. Friends may call 4-9 p.m. Monday at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Indian Island, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Paul Kerns celebrant. Burial will be at Tribal Cemetery, Indian Island. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Arrangements by Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. www.dignitymemorial.com
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