Joan Bartlett

PORTLAND/CASCO – Joan Bartlett, 93 of Portland and Casco passed peacefully at her residence on Jan. 5, 2021.

Born Joan Bennett Bailey on March 5, 1927 in Lawrence, Mass., she was the only child of Edwin Marble and Doris Mildred Bailey. She grew up in Amesbury, Mass.

On Feb. 4, 1955, she married the love of her life, Franklin Sherwood Bartlett. Together they raised 10 children, five boys and five girls over a period spanning four decades! She had the most important job in the world, that of a mother, wife and homemaker. She managed a very busy household, was an excellent cook and despite 10 children, kept a clean and organized home. She saw her children off to school and was there for them when they returned home.

In 1972, she and Frank moved their family to Maine, purchasing an Inn located in West Bridgton close to what is now Shawnee Peak. They called it The Bartlett Family Inn-tel, and together they began a new adventure as a family with seven of the children participating in the operation of the business.

After selling the inn, the family moved to a home on a hill in West Bridgton overlooking the White Mountains. There, Frank and Joan used their experience from the inn to host the wedding receptions for three of their daughters. Finally, in 1982, with only one child left in tow, she and Frank moved to Edgewater, Fla. where they would retire together.

Throughout her life, Joan loved a gathering. Holidays, parties, cookouts, or dining out, she loved getting together with family and friends. She loved a good Manhattan, a swim in the pool, anything that sparkled, and decorations of all kinds. She smiled through adversity and relished the good things and times in her life. She was proud of her family roots and the family she and Frank raised.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Frank. She is survived by all 10 of her children, Kenneth Bartlett and his wife Deb of Yucca Valley, Calif., Linda Maurice of Oxford, Donald Bartlett and his wife Elena of Winthrop, Mass., James Bartlett and his wife Debbie of Sebastian, Fla., Sue Harper and her husband Frank of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Pattie McIntyre of Bridgton, Clifton Bartlett and his wife Johanna of Casco, Eleanor Connolly and her husband Mark of Fayetteville, Ga., Cherie Knight and her husband Jack of Bridgton, and Edwin Bartlett and his wife Chris of Casco. Joan also leaves behind 24 grandchildren.

A family celebration of her life will be held this summer.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the management and staff at the Birchwoods at Canco Assisted Living Community and the Woods at Canco Independent Living for the love and support given Joan in her final days.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Rd. in Casco. Please consider sharing your kind words on her Tribute Wall at http://www.hallfuneralhome.net.