ORONO and BANGOR – Madelene was born May 24, 1919, in Winterport, and passed away Sept. 23, 2012, at a local health care facility. Ella, as she was known to her family and most of her friends, was born to Arthur and Mary (Woodman) Clark of Winterport.
She had seven siblings, Clifford, Malton, Nellie Sanborn, Myrtle Lanphier, Newcomb and twin sister, Esther Arey and is survived by her sister, Phyllis Smith of Orono, with whom she lived until recently. Ella married Elmer Murray of Greenville in 1942. Elmer was killed in action in Italy during World War II. In 1948, she married Harland L. Parsons of Carmel who passed away in 1990. Ella and Harland had one son, Richard L. Parsons who lives in Germany with his wife, Baerbel. She also has two grandchildren, Matthew R. Parsons, residing in California with his wife, Rene, and their son, Matthew Jr. and Sarah E. McGehee, residing in Texas with husband, Craig, and their children, Kailyn, Alysa and Malaki. She is also survived by 20 nieces and nephews.
Ella attended school in Winterport and had several jobs during her working years, including Squaw Mountain Inn, Greenville, Viner Shoe Co. and Kagan & Lown Shoe Co., Bangor, retiring in 1984. Until 1969, she resided with Harland and Richard in Winterport in the house where she was born. In 1969 her family moved to Bangor and she had lived in Orono since 1997. She attended Ellingwoods Corner Methodist Church, Winterport, for many years. Later in life Ella traveled often, frequently to visit her son in Europe and also other family members in Florida, Arkansas and Texas. But wherever she was, there was nothing more important to Ella than her family and friends and she cherished those times when she was surrounded by loved ones. She never forgot birthdays, anniversaries and other important events and enjoyed giving gifts to those she loved. Her defining traits were her kindness and generosity to others and an eternally optimistic outlook on life. Her passing has left a void in our lives, which can never be filled. But she has enriched all our lives with her love more than she will ever know and she will forever live on in our hearts and memories. We will miss you Mom, Grandma, Ella, and want you to know that we appreciate all you did for us, the interest you took in us, the advice you gave and the time you so unselfishly shared with us. You were a very special person and we love you very, very much.
Family and friends may visit 5-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, at Locust Grove Cemetery, Hampden. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Beacon Hospice, 304 Hancock St., Suite 3A, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences may be offered to her family at www.kileyandfoley.com.
Madelene Ella Parsons
