Flora Pennell, 97, of Newcastle, died on April 13 at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta after a brief illness. She was born in Dexter on March 1, 1914 to Christine and Daniel McLeod and was the youngest of six children.
Early on, Flora developed an interest in reading and school studies and was encouraged by the local librarian and several of her teachers. She graduated from Dexter High School in 1933, and with support from teachers and the town of Dexter, enrolled in the Maine General Hospital’s Training School for Nurses that year. She graduated three years later as a Registered Nurse. She worked in a Boston hospital and later in Portland where she met her husband, Robert M. Pennell, whom she married in 1940.
During her lifetime, she developed many special friendships in the Portland and Gorham areas and was known for her wisdom and kindness. She also maintained a lifelong love of animals, nature, gardening and reading. Flora also traveled extensively, visiting Great Britain, Italy, Canada, Bermuda and Africa. In 1989, Flora moved to Newcastle to be closer to her daughter and her family. Nearly four years ago, she became a resident of Cove’s Edge, Damariscotta, where she made many close friends among both residents and staff.
Flora is survived by her son and wife, William and Elizabeth Pennell and granddaughter, Sara of Nanaimo, British Columbia; and her daughter and husband, Leida and Edward Dardis of Newcastle and grandson, Robert.
Flora would be pleased if anyone wishes to donate in her memory to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04553.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the Pennell family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Services are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
