HAMPDEN – Blossome Englehardt Fenlason, 88, passed away peacefully March 14, 2012, at a Bangor health care facility. Birdie was born April 23, 1923, in Manchester, N.H., daughter of the late Richard F. and Helen Englehardt.
Birdie, as she was known by most people, was a graduate of Manchester High School West, class of 1941, and New Hampshire School of Accounting and Finance in 1943 before marrying her husband, Robert. They then moved about the country before settling in Colorado, where they raised their two children. Birdie worked for many years as an accountant at the Adams County School District, Westminster, Colo. Bob and Birdie then retired and moved to Maine. Birdie was an active and vibrant member of the Hampden community. She could often be found at the historical society, where she was the treasurer for many years or the local grange hall for a Saturday night dinner. In fact, a lifelong Grange member, she won many awards throughout her life. She was particularly handy in the home, often knitting, making her own clothing or practicing the lost art of tatting. Birdie will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
Birdie is survived by her son, Robert W. Fenlason III and wife, Diane, of Montclair, Va.; grandchildren, Trina D. Watson, Terrie Fortunato, Allen G. Fenlason, Robert C. Fenlason, Janelle M. Fenlason and Jennifer D. Fenlason; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Allen G. Fenlason Jr., Owen, Olivia and Charles Watson, and Evelyn Fortunato; as well as several close friends. Birdie was predeceased by her husband, Robert W. Fenlason Jr.; and her daughter, Trudy Fenlason.
A funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden, with the Rev. Dick Woehr officiating. Memorial contributions in Birdie’s honor may be made to Hampden Historical Society, P.O. Box 456, Hampden, ME 04444. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through
www.hampdengilpatrick.com.