Imogene Brightman

ORONO - Imogene F. Brightman passed away at age 93 in Orono. She was a teacher, an intrepid traveler, and a quilter. An active member in many community organizations, Imogene is remembered locally singing in the choir at the Church of Universal Fellowship, wielding a rag in the "dirty book night" for the AAUW, as a 4th grade teacher at Asa Adams School, and an usher at the Collins Center, among many other organizations. Imogene did not retire easily. She worked as a docent at the Natural History museum at the University of Maine, mentored nascent teachers, and taking trips with friends to foreign countries.

She met her husband, Lloyd A. Brightman, (1925-1989) at the age of 4, attending Westport (MA) Friends Meeting with her family. The couple grew up in the Meeting, attended the same high school, and shared many friends in their hometown. Imogene graduated from Bridgewater State Teachers College and began her professional career teaching in Dartmouth (MA). She and Lloyd married under the care of the Meeting in 1950 and had three daughters. She was a staunch member of the community. In 1962, Imogene and Lloyd embarked on a 4 year mission as teachers for the American Friends Service Committee, working in Kenya and then in Palestine. Throughout her life, wherever she lived, Imogene was involved in community and educational leadership. Whichever church she attended, she considered herself a Quaker at the core.

Imogene is survived by her three daughters, Susan Dewey and her husband, Andrew Dewey, Stephanie Campbell and her husband, Andrew Campbell, and Gretchen Palmer and her husband, William Palmer; grandchildren, Samantha Brown and her husband, Richard Brown, Alex Campbell and his wife, Natalie Campbell, Aaron Palmer and his wife, Andrea Johnston, Zachariah Dewey, Hannah Dewey, and Clark Palmer; great-grandchildren, Isabel and Persephone Brown; her brother, James Abner Brownell; and her dear friend, Melba Wallace. She was predeceased by her husband, Lloyd; and her elder brother, Elbert Brownell.

Her family would like to particularly thank the Arbor and Activities staff at Dirigo Pines for the care they have given Imogene. They also thank Dana Cassidy and the Hospice team from St. Joseph's Hospital.
Because of the pandemic and concerns for health any memorial service will be postponed. If you wish to make a donation on Imogene's behalf, please consider the Activities Program at Dirigo Pines, or the St. Joseph's Hospice program.