Marie Harvey Bright, 90, passed away Sept.12, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation & Residence in Portland from congestive heart failure.
Born on May 25,1926, the second oldest of eight siblings to, Earl and Myrtle (Tibbetts) Harvey. She grew up in Millinocket and attended Stearns and later Brunswick High School.
Her father’s work at paper mills and shipyards brought many moves before settling in West Bath during WWII. In 1943, when the war effort needed welders, Marie and her older sister, Barbara, began at B.I.W. where she became a tack welder of the ships hulls.
Her time working and living in Bath with its bustle of activity, stores and shopping along Front St, friendships, and family always brought a smile to Marie’s face when reminiscing.
This was followed by a move to Washington D.C. where she met and married her husband, Arthur C. Bright, serving in the U.S. Air Force. She embraced the area with its rich history, amenities, and time shared with her brother Carl and wife Rita also stationed in the area. As well as visits by her younger sisters, Sharon and Isabel.
She enjoyed her work as a waitress at the current, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, serving guests such as; John and Bobby Kennedy, John Wayne, Esther Williams, Rosalind Russell, Pat Nixon, and General Douglas MacArthur.
Her husband’s military tour to Turkey would bring Marie and their children, James, and Patricia back to South Berwick, Maine. By 1962 Fairchild A.F.B., Spokane, Washington became their new address. In 1965 her husband retired, and they returned to Maine to be closer to her family who she had dearly missed. They settled in Gorham and Marie began work at the university snack bar. She enjoyed her job and the many students and staff who frequented it. She also later worked at MMC then S.M.T.V.C. until her retirement.
Marie’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving, caring mother and grandmother. Always there for each of us with her support and never missed a birthday celebration. She cherished the arrival of her grandchildren; Jennifer, Rebecca, Tim, and Chris, and great grandchildren Sarah and Dominic. She was their loving and devoted “Grams.” Summer cookouts surrounded by family and the annual family reunion brought her much happiness. She had a passion for gardening which she passed on to her daughter Patricia. They spent many visits discussing what was in bloom, soon to be, and next years vegetable garden choices. Each fall brought a trip to the apple orchard for some “drops” to make her batch of applesauce for the grandkids. Marie’s sense of humor was ever present and her laughter lasting. She will be dearly missed, always loved, and a blessing to each of us for being such a part of our lives through the years.
She’s survived by her son, James L. Bright, his wife Pat of Bar Mills & Leesburg, Florida. Daughter, Patricia Bright Youland and companion Steve Carmichael of Westbrook. Her grandchildren; Jennifer Bright of San Diego, Calif., Rebecca Bright Lorello and husband Rick, of Gorham, Tim Bright and wife Megan of Bridgton, and Christopher Youland of Gorham. Great-grandchildren, Sarah & Dominic Lorello of Gorham. Her sister, Sharon Beane, and husband Sherwin of Durham, brother, Carl Harvey of Hampton, N.H. and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Earl and Myrtle Harvey. Her husband, Arthur C. Bright, in 1970, Son-in-law, Paul D. Youland, Sisters; Barbara Kaherl, Isabel Pressley, and Sally Hart. Brothers; Charles, Gordon, and Danny Harvey. Sister-in-law Rita Harvey and nephew Mark Pressley.
At Marie’s request there will be no services. Arrangements are in the care of Chad E. Poitras Cremation, Long Plains Rd, Buxton, Maine. To sign the guestbook of condolence please visit, www.mainefuneral.com.
The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation and Residence for their compassion, kindness, and the loving care given to Marie during these last months of her life. A special thank you to care providers; Isabella of Wing B, Valerie, Christina, Debbie, and Jake of Wing A. Dr. Marino and Jessie Nault NP, Hospice of Southern Maine for their support and comfort of Marie and her dear friend, Lydia May Lorrain of South Portland.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to, St Joseph’s Rehabilitation & Residence, 1133 Washington Ave, Portland, Maine, 04103.