Tuddy Dunlevy, 94, gently passed away at Miles Memorial Hospital on Feb. 29, just 35 days short of her 95th birthday.
Pauline Gladwin Reilly, known to everyone as “Tuddy” was born in Malden, Mass. on April 5, 1917. Her parents, Paul and Doris Reilly had five children. Tuddy was the oldest, followed by her brother Jimmy, sister June, sister Barbara and brother Russell.
Tuddy graduated from high school in New Harbor in 1935 as the only girl in a graduating class of eight. The following year she attended nursing school at State Street Hospital in Portland. After graduation Tuddy enlisted in the Army as a nurse during WWII. She was stationed in the South Pacific, first on the Island of Tonga and later the Island of Fiji, where she met her husband Tom Dunlevy. Tuddy and Tom were married on the Island of Fiji on Nov. 5, 1943.
After the war, Tuddy and Tom moved to Stoneham, Mass. then to Knoxville, Tenn. and eventually to Cazenovia, N.Y. where she was active in the American Red Cross for many years. They lived in Cazenovia for 35 years and had many wonderful friends there. In 1985 Tuddy and Tom moved to New Harbor, her childhood home, where her sister and many family members still reside. For the next eight years, Tuddy lovingly cared for Tom, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Tom passed away just weeks before their 50th wedding anniversary in October 1993.
Tuddy enjoyed being around others, and loved her family. She had a special love for all children, and enjoyed crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and having a beer on her front porch with family, friends and neighbors. Tuddy had a zest for life and a good sense of humor. She was a special person who left this world on a special day, a leap year, Feb. 29.
Tuddy is survived by only one sibling, June Fitzpatrick; daughters, Jane Dampeer of Ennis, Mont., and Reilly Hutchinson (husband Peter), of Groton, Mass.; grandchildren, Reilly Dampeer, Thessaly Barnes (husband John), John Dampeer, Brittany Hutchinson, Erin Hutchinson, Kelley Hutchinson, and Bradie Hutchinson; great-grandchildren, Jane and Beckham Barnes; and many wonderful and caring nieces and nephews.
Memorial service Sat., May 5 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home in Damariscotta, at a time to be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bristol First Responders, c/o Jeri Pendleton, 104 South Side Rd., New Harbor, ME 04554.
Condolences, and messages for the family, 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.
