Bangor, Maine
MACHIASPORT - Marion Augusta (Beale) Dodge, 92, died March 19, 2008, at the Machiasport home, where she was born April 24, 1915 to Melcher and Eva (Hawkins) Beale. Marion was a graduate of Cape Elizabeth High School. During school days, she lived with the family adjacent to the Two Lights, where her father served in the Coast Guard. She grew up summers on the farm at Marsh Stream in Machiasport, where she lived afterwards for the rest of her life, raising sheep for the better part of 60 years. Marion also worked at various jobs in the Machias area, including many years as a helper and usher at the old Colonial Theater. Marion most enjoyed tending her farm, raising a garden, and especially shepherding her flock of sheep. Her farming life spanned the transition from draft horse to tractor, scythe to mower, and pitch fork to bailer. She was a proficient boat woman, and enjoyed trips up and around Little Kennebec Bay. In her younger days, Marion would often swim across Little Kennebec Bay and back. She also enjoyed snowmobiling throughout the area. In her later years, Marion enjoyed crossword puzzles and daily trips to MacDonald's for coffee. Marion was predeceased by her husband, Leonard F. Dodge, whom she married in 1943, and who passed away in 1962. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Blanche Herbert and Verna Hall. She is survived by her sister, Helen Andrews; her brother, Keith Beale; as well as many nieces and nephews. Per Marion's wishes, no formal funeral will be held.
This obituary was originally published in the BDN Maine.
Helen --
Marion was a very special person...independent, feisty and so warm and welcoming. I'll miss visits to Kennebec to see her and your beautiful little cove. And I'll always cherish my memories of Eva Bea, Marion's sheep adventures and playing in the barn.
Please let me know if there's anything I can do at this difficult time.
John Dodge
March 28, 2008 | Washington, DC
Helen, It is not easy to let go of a family member and face each day with one less loved one. Marion holds special memories for those of us who frequented the Colonial Theatre. A movie without Marion and her flashlight was not going to happen. I have always admired the farm and have missed seeing the sheep. Yet, how blessed you have been to have had these years together on the farm in Kennebec. My sister, Eloise and I look for you when we are in the Machias restaurants, especially the...
Ann Marie Grange
March 26, 2008 | Northfield, ME
To Helen and her family,
Our sympathy is with you all. From the stories we have heard about Marion over the years, she was the genuine article, a true yankee, through and through. We should all live life as well as she has!
God Bless You,
Leslie & Ken
Leslie & Kenneth Ellis
March 24, 2008 | East Bridgewater, MA
I remember all of our visits to the family farm when I was a child and my children also remember their visits with fond memories. I remember when Aunt Marion had cows, sheep and horses, also her dog Ruffy. She was certainly dedicated to her farm. God speed,Aunt Marion. Love also to Aunt Helen and her family for many years of dedication. Sandy & Ed Sawyer and family
Sandra Sawyer
March 20, 2008 | Windham, ME
Helen - So sorry to hear of Marion's passing. I will always remember Marion taking us Kennedy kids around to the East Kennebec land in the boat - one of the first boat trips I remember and one that inspired me to study the ocean so I could work on boats! We were so pleased to be able to see you and Marion a few years ago when we were Downeast--we still talk about that visit and how much the kids loved it. We are thinking of you now and hope you are well and surrounded by family. Take...
Janet Savoie
March 20, 2008 | Anchorage, AK
In tribute to an icon of countless Machias youth, thanks for the memories:
Hush now young folk,
the lights have gone down.
'Ol Mrs. Mean's crew 'bout to make another film go around.
Nary a kiss , nor a peck on the cheek.
Here comes Mrs. Dodge with her flashlight to peek.
A smile at the door when the evening is done.
She'll see you next weekend, another evening of fun.
Thornton Thompson
March 20, 2008 | Providence, RI
Helen, so sorry for your loss, I am truly going to miss Marion coming to the Bluebird, and our conversations of farm life. She certainly knew and appreciated the good life. See you soon. Julie
Julie Brown
March 20, 2008 | Lubec, ME
I remember Marion with a smile. Our visits Downeast were always a treat, and unfortunately too long in between. I enjoyed the boat trips and the walks on the farm. Thank you Marion, God bless.
Kim (Beale) Smith
March 20, 2008 | Manchester, ME
In loving memory of my Aunt Marion and the wonderful memories you have given me to last throughout my lifetime.
Dan Beale
March 20, 2008 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL
