Arlene Shaw

BANGOR - Arlene Evelyn (McDonough) Shaw, 95, wife of the late Perry Shaw, passed away peacefully October 12, 2015 at Westgate Center. She was born July 28, 1920 in East Millinocket, the daughter of Stephen and Edith McDonough. Arlene was a member of the Hermon Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and was a very kind and patient woman. She married Perry “Jake” on February 15, 1938. They were married 66 years until his passing at age 90 in 2004, and they lived in Carmel most of their lives. They had nine children, all who survive them, ranging in age from 58-77; one son, Robert Shaw and wife Janice of Carmel, eight daughters, Barbara Millett and husband Sawin of Harrison, Alice Shaw of Carmel, Edie Anderson and husband Flint of Arizona, Velma Shaw of Skowhegan, Carol Tozier of Dover, Bonnie Walker and husband Danny of New York, Sharon Bragg of Florida, and Suzanne Pottle and husband Barry of Hermon. Arlene was educated in the Carmel Schools, and took classes to earn her GED in her 60's. She was a Breast Cancer Survivor, having dealt with that at age 72. Arlene was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother to 35 grandchildren, and many great and great-great grandchildren. She was an avid gardener, seamstress, cook and homemaker, and also liked knitting, fishing and travelling. She and Jake always had a huge garden, canning and freezing enough for the whole year and then some, always giving away extra to neighbors, family and friends. They snowmobiled for many years, a lot of times coming home so late, saying they weren't going to do that again, only to get a phone call a day or two later and off they would go! She was pre-deceased by her husband, all her siblings, parents, three full-term stillborn babies, and 3 grandchildren. Arlene lived a full and quite healthy life, living organically off the land before it was popular. The family would like to thank the staff at Westgate Center for their wonderful and loving care. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Friday October 16, 2015 at the Highland Cemetery, Route 2, Carmel. Those wishing to remember Arlene in a special way may make gifts in her memory to your favorite charity. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com