CARIBOU – Betty Jean Putnam, 61, wife of the late Joseph S. Putnam, passed away Wednesday evening, Oct. 16, 2013, at a Caribou health care facility, following an extended period of declining health. She was born March 3, 1952, in Caribou, the daughter of Basil and Hazel (Dougherty) Kierstead.
She was a graduate of Caribou High School class of 1970 and was married to Joseph S. Putnam in 1985. Betty Jean will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother and a friend to all. She was known to help anyone in need, even complete strangers. She always inspired those who she touched with her strength.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Putnam was predeceased by her husband, Joseph on March 25, 2008. She is survived by three sons, Robert Long of Florida, Scott Long of Presque Isle, and Gary Putnam of Caribou; daughter and son-in-law, Mechelle and Doug MacDonald of Masardis; one brother, Burton Kierstead of North Carolina; six grandchildren, Rebecca, Daniel and Tiffany Libby, all of Masardis, Scott Long Jr., Jacob and Jasmine Long of Bangor. Betty Jean’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to Cary Medical Center, especially Dr. Carl Flynn for the exceptional care given to her during her hospital stay.
Friends may call noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou, where the funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m. with the Rev. Lucy Lovley officiating. Interment will take place 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at Masardis Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband, Joseph. Those who wish, may contribute in memory of Mrs. Putnam to her family care of Mechelle MacDonald, P.O. Box 174, Ashland, ME 04732. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.
Betty Jean Putnam
