Arlene Alice Hunt Ireland, 94, of East Pittston, the town she had lived in throughout her life, passed away on April 23.
Arlene was born at home Feb. 9, 1914, the only child of Millard and Florence (Stilphen) Hunt. She attended one-room schools in Pittston and later graduated from Bridge Academy. She then attended Castine Normal School in Castine. After graduating she returned to Pittston to teach in the one room Village, Kelly, Moody schools and finally at the Pittston Consolidated School. She often spoke of walking to and from those one-room schools. She taught for 27 years.
On Sept. 27, 1935 Arlene married Sylvanus J. Ireland and they remained living in Pittston all their married lives – 60 years. They enjoyed summers at their cottage on Damariscotta Lake in Jefferson and after retirement enjoyed many winters in St. Petersburg, Fla.
She was predeceased by her husband, Sylvanus, her parents, and a beloved aunt, Alice Stilphen.
Arlene is survived by two daughters, Dorothy Shaw and husband Leon (Dick) Shaw of Deltona, Fla. and Jefferson, and Geraldine Preble of East Pittston; son, Larry Ireland and wife Joan Ireland of East Pittston; foster son, Ernest Martin, Sr. and wife Beverly Martin of East Pittston; 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Besides her family and its activities, Mrs. Ireland enjoyed reading and collecting antiques. She was a member of the Pittston Historical Society and in 1983 wrote a picture/history book of Pittston. She very much enjoyed studying and researching Pittston history, and became a source to the community for local history. In 2003, she had the family history genealogy, diary, and photo album printed for her children.
She was president of the East Pittston Cemetery Association for over 20 years, a member of Maine Retired Teachers, Maine Education Association and the National Education Association. She was a lifelong member of the East Pittston United Methodist Church where in early years she taught Sunday school and was church treasurer. At age 90, she received the Spirit of America Award, of which she was very proud.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Those wishing to make a donation may send it to: East Pittston United Methodist Church, c/o Lorraine Hart, 761 Nash Rd., Pittston, ME 04345.
