BANGOR – Sarah “Sally” Bird Bragdon, 87, passed away peacefully Sept. 6, 2011, surrounded by members of her loving family at a Bangor hospital after a recent illness. She was born July 24, 1924, in Heywood, England, daughter of George Bird and Bridgette O’Brien.
Sarah spent her early life in Bury, England, and served in the British armed forces during World War II. Shortly thereafter she immigrated to the U.S. and performed as a nightclub singer in Chicago. There she met her husband, Air Force pilot Earle D. Bragdon of Sangerville. Together Sarah and Earle raised a large family while also engaging in numerous political, social and academic causes throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Sarah became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1972. A fiercely devoted Democrat, Sarah worked on several city, state and national political campaigns during the 1980s and 1990s. She also ran her own antique business in Down East Maine for many years. Sarah was very proud of her home in Bangor and enjoyed spending time with her family. She is remembered by all as an intelligent, spirited character and loving friend.
She is survived by her daughters, Kathleen Bruce and her husband, David, of Indiana, Joanne Bragdon-Handfield and her husband, Harry Seamen, of Pennsylvania, Jocelyn Reed of Virginia, Susan Bragdon of Bangor, Lisa DeHart and her husband, Jeff, of Gardner, and Jean Bragdon of Bangor; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Earle; her brothers and sisters; and her daughter, Nicky Arnold.
A private graveside service will be held for the family. Messages of condolence or memories may be sent to her daughters, Susan and Jean Bragdon, care of 63 Parkview Ave., Bangor, ME 04401.