People We've Lost
Thomas Harley “Tom” Soares. Patricia Louise Wardwell. Joe Stockbridge Jr. Nellie S. Davis. Jerry W. Tibbetts. Marla Lee Seavey. Augustus (Gus/Sonny) Bartlett Jr.
Note: “People We’ve Lost” is a feature of the Bar Harbor Story where we share obituaries of people that the island lost in the previous 1-2 weeks.
We’re doing this because we think everyone deserves to be remembered as widely as possible and not behind paywalls or at a cost of $500 for people mourning. We’re free.
If you have an obituary for a loved one or friend that you can’t afford to place in other spaces, please let us know, and we’ll share it here for you. We will also share obituaries that have been in other places, too. Just let us know.
This week, by request, we’ve started sharing obituaries from throughout Hancock County. This is a bit of a bigger lift for us, but we’ll try to keep doing it if it’s something that you all want. We all are so connected here.
Thomas Harley “Tom” Soares
Freedom and Southwest Harbor
Thomas Harley Soares, master mariner, bio engineer technician, outdoorsman, passed away peacefully at home, March 31, 2026, after a battle with cancer. He was 77 years old.
Tom was born in New London, CT on September 4, 1948, to Mary (Baum) and Francis Cooke Soares, Jr. Tom grew up alongside his older brother, Frank, and sister, Carolyn, on the island of Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii. His mother would say you could find him on the beach or exploring the woods for Menehune. The love of the ocean took root and guided him all over the world.
In 1960, his family relocated to Southwest Harbor, Maine. He attended and graduated from Pemetic High School. Following the lure of the sea, he went lobstering off Cranberry Island and also obtained his 100-ton captain’s license.
The seas, yet again, were calling him to a warmer place, Florida, where he would live until his retirement. Tom spent many years chasing sunrises across the waves, yachting for private boats and eventually sat and obtained his Master Mariner license. He then commanded the navigation of tankers all over the world.
In 1994, he went back to school, looking for a change. He graduated with honors on March 8, 1996, as a bio-medical engineering technician. He took a job at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, working on critical care life support systems, until he retired.
After the death of his beloved wife, Janet (Adamson) Soares, Tom longed to be back in Maine. He had long desired to build a cabin in the rustic woods of Maine and be near his brother. In 2014 he made his way back to Maine, to his cabin in the woods and his best friend Jani (black lab).
Tom’s greatest accomplishment was in 2015 when he made his way into an AA Meeting and said, “Hi, I am Tom a REAL alcoholic!” He began to live one day at a time, kept it simple, always told the truth, let go and let God, and most importantly passed it forward. Tom celebrated 10 years sober in 2025. He got sober and found the happiest years of his life. He found the family he had so long lived without, many AA friends, his brother and wife, and the reuniting of his daughter and husband, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Though this time was short, it was lived, filled with coffee cups and late nights talks, where he shared the scars that he once hid. Commenting on the fact that if God can fix this heart, just think what else He can do! With a sparkle in his eye and jocularity, he would be sure to leave you with a good laugh. His sense of humor and love will be missed.
Tom is survived by his daughter, Tarnya Sanborn and husband Reg; his grandchildren Justin Bunker, Caleb Sanborn, and Karlena Sanborn; and his five great grandchildren; and his sister Carolyn.
Tom is predeceased by his beloved wife, Janet (Adamson) Soares; father, Francis Soares Jr.; mother, Mary (Baum) Soares; and brother, Francis Cooke Soares, III.
A Celebration of Life BBQ will be held June 27th from 1-4 p.m. Bring your own chair and a good story. 22 Cookson Rd, Albion ME 04910
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a dear friend of Tom’s whom was heavy on his heart in his last days, due to his friend losing everything in a fire. Donations can be sent to Jerome Reynolds, c/o Kathy Beller, 293 Pattee Rd Ext, Monroe. ME 04951.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Patricia Louise Wardwell
Penobscot
Patricia Louise Wardwell, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on March 26, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born on April 26, 1939, in Castine, Maine, to Mary RobShaw (Vaugh) and Ivan Bowden.
Patricia made her home in Penobscot, Maine, where she raised her family and wove herself into the fabric of her community. She worked at the bookstore at Maine Maritime Academy and the Four Flags Gift Shop in Castine — places that suited her warm and welcoming nature well.
Those who knew Patricia will remember her quick sense of humor and the deep love she had for her family. Each year, she looked forward to the arrival of the ducks at her pond, eagerly waiting to welcome the new ducklings and feed them — a simple joy that said everything about the kind of woman she was.
Patricia is survived by her two daughters, Robin Vogell and Lisa (Ron) Haas; seven grandchildren, Travis (Sarah), Cassie (David) Brages, Troy Wardwell, Tyler (Tiffany) Haas, Jeff Walker, and Jennifer (Kris) Voisine; eight great-grandchildren, Hailey, Ellie, Eli, and Caroline Vogell, Mollie and Eric Walker, and Tyler and Corbin Voisine; two sisters, Donna Green and Sally Howard; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence “Bucky” Wardwell; her son, Randy Wardwell; her mother, Mary RobShaw; and her brother, Edgar Bowden.
Patricia will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
At her request, no funeral will be held. A remembrance celebration of her life will be held later this spring.
Joe Stockbridge Jr.
Surry
Joe Stockbridge Jr., of Surry, Maine, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at the age of 92, following a life marked by a deep commitment to family, community and public service. Joe was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the son of Joseph T. and Charlotte E. (Moor) Stockbridge.
When he was a little boy, his parents relocated to Ellsworth, Maine, to be closer to family. He went to Ellsworth schools, graduating from Ellsworth High School. Following a year of employment at a local florist and greenhouse, he began studies in forestry at the University of Maine in Orono, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry. While at Orono, he was enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC). Following graduation, Joe was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He completed active-duty service both in the United States and France before returning to Maine where he married his college sweetheart, Judy Carroll of Southwest Harbor, Maine. Joe and Judy then moved to Oregon, where Joe began a long and distinguished career with the U.S. Forest Service. Throughout the next three decades, the family lived in multiple communities, while being employed on four different National Forests, and raising four children. Near the end of his career, Joe accepted a Forest Service assignment to the National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He retired after more than 30 years of federal service, and then he and Judy returned to Maine, settling in Surry.
Joe is survived by his loving wife and best friend of many years, their four children, seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
Throughout his life, both during his career and in retirement, Joe was deeply involved in civic and volunteer service. He was active in Rotary and church vestry. After returning to Maine, he expanded his dedication to public service through long-term involvement with town committees, his local planning board and organizations like Rotary, Literacy Volunteers of Hancock County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, and Friendship Cottage. He loved being a volunteer driver for Friends in Action, and a member of the local garden club. He was also a longtime member of the Episcopal church. Joe’s personal interests reflected his love of the outdoors. He especially enjoyed gardening, bicycling, cross-country skiing, hiking, hunting, and fishing, pursuits he often shared with family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Saint Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 134 State St., Ellsworth, Maine, at 11 a.m. June 5, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, P.O.Box 1672, Ellsworth, ME 04605, loavesandfishesellsworth.org; Ellsworth High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1, Ellsworth, ME 04605; and Town of Surry Memorial Park Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 147, Surry, ME 04684. Condolences may be shared with the family through Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home at jordanfernald.com.
Nellie S. Davis
Eastbrook
Nellie Davis, 97, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on March 29, 2026.
She was born on September 23, 1928, the daughter of James Pinkham and Ella (Morrison) Pinkham. She is survived by her son Michael and Linda (wife) of Eastbrook, son Paul and Sharon (wife) of Arizona and daughter Debra Kalloch of Ellsworth. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Herbert, daughter Jewel Macy, son Terry, grandson Jeff, father, mother and 12 siblings.
There will be no service per her request.
Jerry W. Tibbetts
Ellsworth
In the morning hours of April 4, 2026, Jerry W. Tibbetts (1955-2026) left the health struggles he suffered here on Earth behind and took up his walk on the streets of gold in Glory! Jerry was born to the late Gerald and Evelyn (Corliss) Tibbetts in Milbridge on September 18, 1955.
Jerry lived, worked and loved life in Milbridge, Maine, through childhood and into young adulthood. In 1991 he met his wife Nancy, and for the past 35 years they have traveled together, laughed together, cried together and enjoyed this ride called “life.” In 2019, when diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, they fought together every day to give him one more day, one more memory, one more hug. He told Nancy every day he could not do this without her and Jasmine beside him to hold his hand and cheer him on. They did not let cancer ruin their lives — continued to travel and experience more than one adventure — accompanied often with the Locurto clan and made so many memories together.
Jerry is survived by his wife Nancy. He also leaves behind his beloved daughter Jasmine. She was the sunshine of his day and messaged, called or saw him every day! He is also survived by Jasmine’s husband, Joe, who was far more than a son-in-law; he was like a son. They were peas in a pod on many trips and adventures, cohorts that kept traveling and adventures going. Joe would put Jerry in a wheelchair and take him anywhere he wanted to go. There was no place Jerry wanted to go that he and Jasmine didn’t make happen. Survived by his granddaughters — he loved and treasured his trifecta of princesses. His granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Brooklyn and Madelyn, hung the moon in his eyes. He loved watching them grow into the young ladies they have become, and each one held a special place in his heart. Jerry leaves behind two grandsons, JR and Alan Tibbetts. He loved his grandsons and was most recently excited to live vicariously through JR as he attends Dartmouth College. Surviving him as well are his son Courtney and wife Melissa; his mother-in-law Judy; his sister Sharon; sister-in-law Heidi; brother-in-law Norman; and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was predeceased by his parents; his father-in-law Larry; his grandson Joseph; and sister Linda.
Please join us at St. Andrew Lutheran Church at 175 Downeast Highway, Ellsworth, Maine, on Saturday April 25th at 1:00 p.m. The family will be wearing purple in his honor and asks anyone else to join us by filling the room with shades of purple. The family asks that family and friends use this time to share stories and memories with us all. Immediately after, we will have light refreshments and more time to reminisce in the church’s fellowship hall. Condolences can be sent to nancydrew32@hotmail.com.
Marla Lee Seavey
Steuben
Marla Lee Seavey, 55, from Steuben, daughter of Mariela and Philip Church, passed away March 28, 2026, after a short battle with cancer. She was the wife of Kenneth Seavey, whom she married in 2020. She was the happiest she had ever been! Together they started a business, K&M Electric, where she worked as the bookkeeper and Kenneth as electrician.
Marla was born in Ellsworth. She was a graduate of Sumner Memorial High School. She had many jobs throughout the years, but her favorite one was taking care of her beloved husband. She loved to cook and bake; that’s where her love spread the most. She loved her family deeply and always gathered for holidays, bringing all the desserts! Marla always made her friends feel like they were part of her family; she had such a big heart. She was always the life of the party and will be forever remembered for her witty attitude and ability to make everyone in a room laugh. She never held anything back and always knew how to lighten the mood.
Marla is survived by her husband, Kenneth Seavey; her parents, Mariela (Cooki) and Philip Church; her daughter, Rachel Hanna, and children, Tessa and Taelyn; son, Jarrod Jordan, and his wife, Victoria Jordan; son, Logan Jordan, and fiancée, Ashlee, and their daughter, Cove; her stepchildren, Keith Potter and fiancée, Eve, and their children, Gavin and Rylee, Kirk Potter and wife, Veronica, and their children, Liam, Kouper, Kobe, Kinsley-Mae, Jackson, and Rayla, Heather Potter and her partner, Justin, and their children, Miley, Aiden and Aubrey; her sister, Heather Church, and fiancée, Leslie Dunton, and their children, Madison, Molly, Macee, and Maleea; her sister-in-law, Phyllis Seavey, and her partner, Richard, and their daughter, Emily; brother-in-law, Raymond Seavey Jr., and his wife, Elizabeth; many aunts, uncles and cousins and many friends that she loved dearly.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
Augustus (Gus/Sonny) Bartlett Jr.
Stonington
Sonny, 88, died at his home in Burnt Cove unexpectedly on April 3, 2026. He was born March 3, 1938, in Stonington, to Mario and Marjorie (Ellis) Bartlett.
He is survived by his wife Muffin (Smith) Bartlett; his daughter Dianne (Bartlett) Thompson (Pat); grandchildren Jeremy Thompson (Nicole) and Matthew Thompson, all of Stonington; great-grandchildren Kristin Thompson (Tyler), Nathan Thompson (Caitlin), Dylan Thompson (Hayden) and Ava Thompson, all of Stonington; great-grandchildren Lailah, Sawyer, Briar, Lucy and Ellie; siblings Robert Bartlett (Peggy), Nancy Furrow, Larry Bartlett; brother in-law Steve Smith (Nancy) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Barbara Jones, Thomas, and Donald.
He was a proud member of the Stonington Volunteer Fire Dept. for over 55 years. Sonny worked at the family market for many years and also went lobstering, was a part time electrician, a carpenter, town employee, and jack of all trades. He served in the United States Air Force. He graduated from Stonington High School in 1956. He was a lifetime learner and teacher to everyone. He enjoyed mowing the Whitman Road, watching the boats from his deck and talking on the VHF.
There will be no services at his request. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Stonington Volunteer Fire Department and Memorial Ambulance.