Priscilla Hartley Saunders, a long time resident of Lincoln County, most recently a resident of Atria Kennebunk, died on June 4 at Southern Maine Medical Center after a brief illness.
Born in Newton, Mass. on Feb. 5, 1918, she was a daughter of Harold and Antoinette (Duddy) Gardner. Priscilla was educated in Belmont, Mass. schools and was a graduate of the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts. She married Francis Hartley Jr. and lived at Kittery Point for many years.
Priscilla was a self-employed art dealer in the Portland and Kennebunk areas for many years having owned and operated the Priscilla Hartley Gallery and later the Priscilla Saunders Gallery. She was also known for her instruction in watercolor and was an accomplished portrait painter of young children.
Priscilla later married architect James Saunders who died in 1983.
She was predeceased by children, Francis III and Victor who died in infancy and John G. Hartley who died in 2004 and sister, Jean Gardner MacArthur.
She is survived by son, Francis Hartley IV of York Harbor; Jean’s children: nephews, William and Stephen MacArthur and niece, Linda Binnie MacArthur; step-children and their spouses: James and Nancy Saunders, Wilford Saunders, Joe and Susie Saunders, Sally and Dr. Michael Johnston, Mary and Paul Schultz, and Brad and Jeanne Saunders; eight step-grandchildren, including Katy Saunders; and eight step-great-grandchildren.
If desired, contributions may be made in Priscilla’s memory to the Atria Cares Fund, c/o Atria Kennebunk, One Penny Lane, Kennebunk, ME 04043 or to the charity of one’s choice.
A graveside service will be held at the Hope Cemetery in Kennebunk at a later date.
Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, www.bibberfuneral.com.
