Audrey Louise Clark Bartlett, 85, of Damariscotta, passed away peacefully on Oct. 25 at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta. Audrey was born on April 29, 1927 in Damariscotta, the daughter of Ruby E. Lewis Clark and Millard S. Clark.
She attended Castner Grammar School, Lincoln Academy (’45) and the University of Maine. She met the love of her life, Sanford S. Bartlett Jr. (Joe) while visiting with family. Audrey married Joe on Dec. 19, 1948 at the Bunker Hill Church in Jefferson. Together they spent most of their married life on the Bristol Road in Damariscotta.
In 1951, Audrey contracted polio, which left her with physical challenges. However, she persevered as a homemaker, raised her children, and was involved with the community and her activities at the Damariscotta Baptist Church.
Audrey was known for her talent as a seamstress. She sewed dresses for weddings and did alterations for many of the local merchants. She made the most of her time sitting by creating crocheted doilies, doll clothes, felt Christmas ornaments, quilting and other crafts. She loved making things for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially sweaters, stuffed animals and dolls.
Audrey loved music and played the trumpet, accordion and keyboard. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles. She enjoyed researching genealogy with her husband Joe, and they spent many days driving around the countryside. She especially liked to ride down to Pemaquid and sit and watch the rolling surf. Anyone who knew Audrey was aware of how much she enjoyed seafood, chowders and fried clams. She was an excellent cook, loved to bake, and have cake and cookies ready for family and friends.
Audrey lived at Cove’s Edge for the last three years, where she made friends with both residents and staff. She was very involved with a variety of activities, and was a member of the Resident Council.
She was a member of the Damariscotta Baptist Church, serving on the Christian Ed Board and Women’s Missionary Circle and participated in numerous Bible study groups. She was a member of the Damariscotta Area Christian Women’s Club, Nobleboro Homemakers Extension Service, Rising Tide Food Co-Op, Damariscotta Historical Society, and Crystal Chapter O.E.S.
She was known for her kindness, sense of humor, beautiful blue eyes, ready smile and her strong faith. She faced many challenges due to the effects of polio, but was never known as one to complain. She was an awesome mother, adored each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved being with her family.
Audrey was predeceased by her parents, Ruby and Millard Clark; stepmother, Ruth; husband, Sanford S. Bartlett Jr. (Joe); sister, Joyce Leighton; and son-in-law, Donald MacInnis.
She is survived by her children, Larry Bartlett and wife Brenda of Damariscotta and their children Ben and Andy; Carol Miller and husband Phil of Newcastle and their children Katie, Eben and Lydia; Gail MacInnis of Jefferson and her children Becky, Emily, Richard and Anna; and David and wife Katie of Topsfield, Mass. and their children Nick and Jenny; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Kyle, Rian, Max and Zack; sisters, Ruth Anne Bryant of Damariscotta, and Susan Chamblee of Wells; brother, Millard S. Clark Jr. (Tim) of Jefferson; and many special nieces, nephews and caring friends.
Visiting hours 5-7 p.m., Fri., Nov. 2 at the Strong Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. Celebration of her life 1 p.m., Sat., Nov. 3 at the Damariscotta Baptist Church, with the Rev. Glen E. Vaughn officiating. Internment will follow in the Bartlett-Jones Cemetery, Bunker Hill Rd., Newcastle.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Damariscotta Baptist Church, PO Box 248, Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Condolences, and memories of Audrey, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.