Brenda A. (Harrison) Rich Obituary (1947 - 2016)

FAIRFIELD, MAINE—Brenda A. (Harrison) Rich passed away Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, surrounded by her loving family following a long battle with illness. She was born May 6, 1947, to Augustus and Theresa Harrison. She grew up in Fairfield, Maine with her parents and four brothers. She attended Catholic School through the 8th grade, and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1965. On Feb. 19, 1966, Brenda married Roger Rich at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Fairfield, Maine, and enjoyed over 50 years of marriage. They were married by Fr. J.C. Brannigan. She was a loving mother, and homemaker. In 1985, she went to work at Hillman’s Bakery, and was a dedicated, hardworking employee for 20 years. She took pride in her home, loved her house plants, outdoor flower gardens, and feeding the birds. She was a frequent visitor to Lawrence Public Library as reading was a passion of hers. She enjoyed travelling with her family, especially winter trips to Florida, and many weekends in New Hampshire, but most of all, she enjoyed their time spent in San Diego, Calif. She enjoyed many camping trips with her husband and children when they were young. She was a lifetime member of the Winslow V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary. She spent many summers at camp on Unity Pond with her family and extended family. She was an animal lover, and took in several stray cats through the years and adopted a few dogs. She will be missed by her dog Daisy and her cat Sammy. Brenda is survived and sadly missed by her husband, Roger; her daughters, Laurie of Waterville, and Cathy of Benton; her much loved granddaughter, Nicole Veilleux whom she affectionately called “Nicole Elizabeth”; her mother, Theresa Harrison of Benton; her brothers, Michael Harrison of Winslow, Steve Harrison and his wife, Jen of Albion, and Greg Harrison and his wife, Arlene of Albion; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Gus Harrison; her brother, John Harrison; and her grandmother, Anna Costello with whom she had a special bond. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the many doctors and nurses who cared for her. A special thanks to her PCP, Dr. Ervin and to the nurses and CNAs at Inland Hospital for their excellent care and undeniable compassion. A time of visiting will be from 1 to 2 p.m. with a funeral service to begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, Maine. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Fairfield, Maine. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Brenda’s memory to your local animal shelter.