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Arlene McFadden Obituary
McFadden, 86
CUNDY'S HARBOR -- Arlene Ridley McFadden, 86, died peacefully at her home in Cundy's Harbor on Tuesday morning, June 1, 2010, following a brief illness. She was born on April 7, 1924, the child of Catherine Stevens Ridley and Ralph D. Ridley of Auburn. Long time residents of Auburn, the family owned and operated a laundry and were active in civic affairs.
Mrs. McFadden graduated from Edward Little High School in the class of 1942. During World War II she worked at the State Department in Washington, D.C. After the war, she married Warren Graham McFadden, also of Auburn, who had been awarded the bronze star for his distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force. His family had been the owners and operators of a local grocery store. Mr. McFadden worked for nearly 50 years for the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company. He died of brain cancer on their 50th wedding anniversary, Aug. 17, 1997.
The couple lived most of their lives in Auburn where Mrs. McFadden was a deaconess of the High Street Congregational Church. The couple moved to a log cabin of their own design on the ocean in Cundy's Harbor once their only child, Cynthia McFadden graduated from Bowdoin College and moved to New York City to attend Columbia Law School.
Survivors include their daughter of New York, the co-anchor of ABC New's Nightline; and an 11 year old grandson, Spencer Graham McFadden Hoge. She was also the proud aunt of eight nieces and nephews.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, at the Gracelawn Memorial Park in Auburn. You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the McFadden family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com. A service of The Fortin Group / Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn, (207) 783-8545.
In lieu of flowers, contributions
can be sent to:
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, Maine 04011
Arlene R. McFadden
The Fortin Group
Auburn 207-783-8548
Lewiston 207-784-4584
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arlene McFadden
RACHEL
June 10, 2010
CYNTHIA AND SPENCER I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, I FEEL LIKE I'VE ALSO LOST A DEAR FAMILY MEMBER. REST IN PEACE GRAMMIE. YOU WILL BE MISS. LOVE RACHEL
RACHEL CLARK
June 10, 2010
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Holly Heath Nepote
June 8, 2010
Cindy,
My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your Mother. Please know that you and your son are in my prayers.
Anne Gould
June 7, 2010
Cindy,
Wishing you comfort at this difficult time. I hope that our paths will cross again when you are in Maine. Thinking of you.
Dona Hachey
June 7, 2010
Dear Cindy, I'm so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I lost my mom 2 years ago and I know how hard it is. Please accept my deepest sympathy and remember she will always live on in your heart.
Cindy (Hill) Roy
June 6, 2010
Cynthia, I am writing to send condolences in the loss of your mother. My mother, Elinor (Whiting) Hill and your mom were best friends growing up in Auburn and all through Edward Little High School. I had the pleasure of meeting your mom at the E.L. 60th class reunion in 2002 when I escorted my mother there. They were so happy to see each other again. She & my dad had visited your parents at the log cabin & treasured their long friendship. It is fun to see the old pictures of them in the E.L. class of '42 yearbook. Your mom said she always kept her TV on channel 8 (ABC) just in case you popped on. She was so proud of you. My mom passed away 3 years ago.
With sincere sympathy,
June 6, 2010
Cynthia and Spencer,
A friend forwarded this to me. I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I will never forget her laugh and I will always think of her and your dad in the cabin--my idea of paradise. I will call you soon.
Love always,
Martha Elliott et. al.
June 5, 2010
Sending thoughts and prayers to Cynthia and Spencer. I had the priviledge of getting to know your Mom for the past few years. It was a true pleasure to see her every week. She will be sadly missed. God bless you both. Kathy Aldrich(Durham, Me)
June 5, 2010
Cindy,
It has 35 years this month since I arrived at High Street as the associate pastor. Your mother was among those who truly helped me to feel welcomed in my new adventure. Throughout my 3 years in Auburn, I experienced Arlene as an amazing, reliable Deaconness. She always had a heart for the people of the parish. And as I recall she was one who thoroughly enjoyed the creative summer worship experiences. Marta joins me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to you. I am blessed and my life the richer for having known your mother and your father and for being able to continue to call, friend.
Blessings,
Tim Morrison
Laura Plunkett
June 4, 2010
Sorry for your loss. I was a neighbor of both of your parents since the 1980's. Your Father would walk around the neighborhood with his dog,my dog and any other dogs that cared to join him. Your Mother would give my Dog a biscuit every night that he went to visit them. Laura Plunkett and Bobby Adams.
Valerie Dawes
June 4, 2010
Cindy -- I'm so sorry to hear about your mother... Diana and I have so many memories that we still smile about!
It must have been hard to say goodbye; I hope you find strength, and remember your mother's love in the days to come.... She and your father raised a pretty good kid!
Diana Worthing
June 4, 2010
Cindy ~ Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way. Oh the memories that come to mind! Lots of special times with you, Arlene, Warren. I will cherish them forever. Thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy. Diana Dawes Worthing
JANE HARLOW
June 4, 2010
My family(The Berry family) of Mt.Auburn Ave. sends our sympathies to Arlene's family. Our loved ones are always with us as long as we remember.
Sincerely, Margaret Berry, Henry and Jane (Berry) Harlow.Your classmate from 1974 ELHS.
Polly Guy Hill
June 4, 2010
Cindy, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. My heartfelt sympathies are with you and your son. I pray that God will give you comfort during this difficult time of loss and abundant grace in the days to come in your adjustment to life without your precious mom. With love and fond memories, Polly
June 4, 2010
Cynthia, Connie and I would like to offer you our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother.
Love, Connie and Dick Baillargeon (Lisbon, ME)
William and Candace Gooch
June 3, 2010
Cindy, please accept our sincere condolences...sending you, and your son Spencer,our warmest thoughts.
June 3, 2010
Hello. Thoughts and best wishes to the Family.. Dont know any of you. I'm process doing the Ridley Tree... Wondering if someone could contact me about her whom Ralph's & Catherine's parents are... Thanks... pam1668 at yahoo.com... Thanks Pam Major of Maine
Alice Goldsmith
June 3, 2010
Sending sympathy to Cynthia and hoping pleasant memories will give her comfort at this time.
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