Belva Crockett Murphy, Jacqueline Francis “Jackie” Agnese, Merlin Rudolph “Merl” Williams 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. 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.
Belva Crockett Murphy
Ellsworth and Southwest Harbor
Belva Crockett Murphy, 94, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, at the Brewer Center for Health & Rehabilitation after a brief illness.
Born on September 23, 1930, in Southwest Harbor, Maine, Belva was the daughter of Herbert and Grace Crockett. A 1950 graduate of Pemetic High School in Southwest Harbor, she remained deeply connected to her hometown and its values throughout her life.
In 1973, Belva was among one of the original founders of MDI Helpers, a community initiative that later evolved into Downeast Horizons, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Their vision and compassion continue to impact lives across the region.
Belva led a quiet and meaningful life filled with simple joys. She was an avid reader, popcorn connoisseur and a natural creative, spending many peaceful hours crocheting blankets, which she generously donated to local animal shelters. She was also a talented painter, often gifting her artwork to friends and family — leaving behind beautiful pieces of herself in homes near and far.
Belva had a love for pretty things, vibrant colors, and pink lipstick which was always in her purse ready to be reapplied with her words of advice, “Put some lipstick on, you’ll feel better.”
She is remembered for her warmth, creativity, and deep love for animals, especially her beloved cat, Tillie, who survives her.
She is survived by her children Tina Barrett and her husband Monty of The Villages, Florida; Sally Auclair and her husband Armand of Brewer; and Steve Murphy of Ellsworth. She also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren Heather Auclair Welch and her husband Nate of Plymouth, Massachusetts; Erik Hamilton of Summerville, South Carolina; David Hamilton of Scarborough; and Melanie Knarr and her husband Jim of Scottsdale, Arizona. Belva was a proud great-grandmother to Nick and Grace Knarr of Scottsdale, Arizona. Belva was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence (Peenie) Murphy; her parents, Herbert and Grace Crockett; and her brothers Clifton (Nick), Herbert (Junior), and Leslie Crockett.
Belva’s legacy is one of kindness, quiet strength, and devotion to family, friends, and community. Her giving spirit and gentle heart will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date to honor her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Belva’s memory to Downeast Horizons Foundation, 1200 ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 or your local animal shelter.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Jacqueline Francis “Jackie” Agnese
Northeast Harbor and Topsham, Maine
Jacqueline Francis Agnese, 90, passed away on August 8, 2025. Jackie was born on November 9, 1934 in Bar Harbor, the daughter of Milton and Eleanor (Woodworth) Hodgkins. She graduated from Bar Harbor High School in 1952, where she was a cheerleader, majorette and enjoyed participating in school plays. She was a member of St. Saviour’s Church and sang in the choir and each week attended Young People’s Fellowship programs and spent two weeks in the summer at a church camp at Sebago Lake.
Her childhood home was on Myrtle Avenue in Bar Harbor, and it was the playground for all the neighborhood children. In those days you played out all day until your mother called you in for supper. Her beloved father, Milt, was loved by all the children, and he would tell Jackie to round them up and put them in the truck and off they would go downtown for ice cream.
Jackie married her handsome hero (as she called him) Henri Agnese in 1954. They spent two years in Washington D.C. and then seasonally lived between Northeast Harbor and Riviera Beach, FL where they owned beauty shops. She worked during the season at Testa’s Restaurant, while completing manicuring school. For twelve years they worked their two shops, while growing their family of four children. In 1966, with three of the kids of school age, they made Northeast Harbor their permanent home. They owned and operated their beauty salon in Northeast Harbor for fifty years. They both retired at age 70. After a few years on the island beyond Henri’s passing, Jackie moved to Topsham to be closer to family.
Jackie was an avid hiker, covering the vast trails on Mount Desert Island starting at a young age with her father and continuing throughout her life with Henri, her children, grandchildren, and many friends. In winters she and Henri enjoyed X-country skiing. They also enjoyed ponds, spending summers in the family cottage on Long Pond in Somesville and many years, in May, would venture to various upper Maine fishing spots, included Kidney Pond, Daicey Pond, and Red River Camp to fly fish for a week. She did a little fishing, but mostly read and hiked around the area and captured the hearts of all the new people the met. She and Henri enjoyed playing cards and cribbage with their friends and family. In years gone by, they loved going to dances and after retirement enjoyed traveling in Europe and the Southwest US. Her other hobbies included X-Country skiing, knitting, needlepoint, crewel, volunteering, gardening, photography, card playing, and reading. She also loved to kayak, a morning person, she would go out on Long Pond in the summer at 7:00am when it was so very peaceful and enjoyed the solitude. This is where she would plan out the day and pray for those less fortunate than she. For many years she took pictures of the four seasons on Mt. Desert Island and made greeting cards which she gave away in gift packs. She also made photo albums of many memories for her children, grandchildren and friends.
Jackie was an active member of the Parish of St. Mary and St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Northeast Harbor, where she participated in the Episcopal Church Women, Altar Guild and Prayer Shawl Ministry. She also was involved with the Literary Club of Mt. Desert, Mt. Desert Island Hospital Auxiliary, Acadia Wildlife Gardens, Mt. Desert Nursing Association, the YWCA, the Red Hat Society and Footloose Friends. She was a tireless and fearless volunteer and fundraiser for all.
Jackie is survived by two daughters Cheryl Agnese of Camden and Michelle Agnese of Tremont; a son Roger Agnese and wife Terry of Freeport; 5 grandchildren, Anna (Damon) Hansen and husband Erik, Joshua Shelton and wife Meredith, Zachary Damon, Christopher Shelton and wife Courtney, and Griffin Agnese; eight great grandchildren, Henri and Holden Hansen, Thatcher and Eloise Shelton, Kellen, Kaden,McKinley and Kyler Shelton; and sister Allison Guidi. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 65 years, Henri J. Agnese, and daughter, Patricia.
A celebration of life is planned for early November.
Those who desire may make contributions in Jackie’s memory to the St. Mary and St. Jude Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 105, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662 or the Acadia Wildlife Center, 49 Black Dog Rd., Bar Harbor, ME 04609.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mt. Desert. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Merlin Rudolph “Merl” Williams Jr.
Southwest Harbor
Merl Williams, 75, died Aug 20, 2025, from congestive heart failure and dementia. He grew up in Brewer, Maine and graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in geology. Although he didn’t have children, he was a beloved uncle to his nieces, Katie, Lori, Kim and Sarah, and his nephew Erik. Merl helped the kids with their homework and when Erik was very young, Merl served as a beloved babysitter.
Going to camp at Moulton Pond was a joy in his life. Swimming, kayaking, and “bombing” the kids from the float were favorite activities along with spoiling them with lots of snacks. For years he participated in the annual loon count. Merl would bring his spotting scope so everyone could see the loons and babies.
He spent most of his work career with Maine Department of Transportation as a lab tech, retiring in 2015. Merl would kid that he sifted sand which he did and tested liquid asphalt. He was part of the crew that did quality control on the components of state roads.
After a divorce his co-workers pushed him to call Carolyn, his future wife. One of his co-workers even advised how to dress. After the first date, he certainly figured out how to impress her. On the first Valentine’s Day, although he hadn’t known Carolyn for long, he had flowers, candy, and a card. His kindness was so apparent through the years; he always bought jewelry for his mother and began to do so for Carolyn. They were married for 26 years.
He got out of work earlier than Carolyn most days, so Merl was more often than not the cook for most of the marriage. On Valentine’s Day, he’d make fondue and chocolate covered strawberries. He and Carolyn would make huge batches of Chex mix for Christmas. He and Carolyn enjoyed hosting dinner parties. Champagne toasts were a given at these parties.
Merl is survived by his wife, Carolyn Ball; his sister, Lisa Black; his niece, Katie Sankare; and nephew, Erik Black.
A Celebration of Merl’s Life will be held at 2pm, Friday, August 29, 2025, at St. John Episcopal Church, 325 Main St., Southwest Harbor.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
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