Thomas Albert Shea. Cheryl McDonald Smith. Mary B. Kessler. Jane Holloway. Arlington Elliott Bickford. J. Clark Grew II. Marilyn A. McEntee. Steven Daniel Rankin.

Jan 11, 2026

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.

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Thomas Albert Shea

Bar Harbor and Florida

Thomas Albert Shea, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at St. Petersburg, Florida surrounded by loved ones.

Tom was born to Constance Cunningham and Robert Shea on December 23, 1962, in the picturesque town of Bar Harbor, Maine. The backdrop to his childhood was Acadia National Park and Long Pond, USA. He was proud of his roots and his connection to Mt. Desert Island. He made the journey back every year and took many friends along. He loved sharing his home and “Casper’s House.” He cherished family time on Cadillac Mountain and lobstah at Thurston’s. Boy, was he wicked upset when the Epi closed. Tommy would always order the Italian with extra pickles.

His grandparents, Albert and Vera Cunningham, helped shape a remarkable and confident person. He leaves behind two younger brothers, Andrew and Toby Shea. He often told stories of his childhood at camp—bows and arrows and no-sock summers.

Tom graduated with honors from Southern New Hampshire College in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree. Southern New Hampshire College in Manchester, NH, is where our love story began. He had the biggest personality in the room and the prettiest blue eyes. I was smitten. Tom and I had an amazing and adventurous courtship. We exchanged vows on March 16, 1985, and headed to Illinois.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would live in three states and London, England, in seven years. Tom Shea started his career at 23 years old with Butcher’s Wax. He was a natural salesman, and his career took off—literally. He soon was opening distributorships in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Middle East. Tom was a family man, and once his sons Jeffrey Robert Shea and Casey Charles Shea started playing sports, his heartstrings tugged. The traveling stopped; instead of persuading clients, he went on to coach and mentor Carroll County, Maryland athletes in football and baseball.

There was not a fiercer competitor than #12, the Cheeseburger Quarterback. Trick plays, deception, and agitating Earl the referee were part of any given Sunday in Tom’s flag-football league. Jeff and Casey grew up with the team and have fond memories of Cal Bitner’s and playing Keno. They both learned from the best—being coached by Dad was priceless! Even when he was ejected!

Tom morphed from selling wax and cleaning supplies to mortgages with James Adamson and his stellar team. Tom was the people’s champ, and his true desire to help first-time buyers made his transition to a mortgage lender a breeze. It’s easy to see why Tom Shea was a top producer at Ameris Bank.

Tom enjoyed the Baltimore Ravens—Section 551. It was a ritual: pick up Lenny at the Legion at 9:15. At Lot H, Tom Cockey would be waiting with the best tailgate in town. Tom Shea was all in for the Ravens party. It meant time with his Gumba, conversations with friends, and sausage bread!

Captain Tom made his dream of charting his way down the Intracoastal Waterway a reality in 2024. We boarded the 60-foot motor yacht named TWO SHEA, and my bestie and I headed for places like Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, Vero Beach, and Key West—too many stops to list. Then, for the ultimate experience, we made the four-hour crossing to the Bahamas. First stop: Big Game Capital of the World! We swam with sharks, turtles, and dolphins. I even caught a barracuda!

My Captain, my Captain—guide us through these rough waters. He leaves behind a host of family members, tailgaters, and pickleball players from Annapolis to Florida. His tentacles reached far and wide. He never missed an opportunity to say hello to a stranger and make a new friend. Big T, you were my rock. We have been through storms, broken bones, and mechanical failures. Tom never showed fear, always had a plan, and I trusted him with my life. Anchors that let go, engines that didn’t start, two broken wrists—he never complained about his pain. He wanted this final journey on open water to prove that he could do anything. And he really could. He was my knight in shining armor, my lighthouse. He made me stronger and turned me into a sea-loving lady.

Thank you, Tom, for always believing in all of us—that we all can do hard things. I will miss dancing to the Grateful Dead. I will continue to dance in tie-dyed clothes and know that every silver lining has a touch of grey.

Thank you, Waterside, for embracing Tom and his sense of humor and returning his serve. He wanted more time with all of you. Recently, just four weeks ago, Tom encouraged me to get a job. He and God must have known I would need comfort animals in my life. I am now a devoted dog walker, offering overnight care and pet vacations to furry friends.

It was a long, strange trip…40-plus years. Tom was a big dreamer with a gypsy spirit. “His Love was Real-not fade away!” I will end with a few lyrics from his Favorite Song.…I’m sure Jeff turned him on to the band String Cheese!

We are planning a celebration of life in Maryland. The third week in July, we will have another celebration at Mt. Desert Island.

I’m gonna stop and think twice about the way that I’m living—“Take time to give thanks, make time to be giving.:

Did I say a kind word? Am I proud of my actions?

You know a job well done gives me great satisfaction.

Can I earn your trust, love, and affection?

Just one step at a time in the right direction

I’m gonna aim for the sky. Keep my feet on the ground

Raise my voice to the heavens, and make A Joyful Sound”

By Stacey Shea

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Cheryl McDonald Smith

Southwest Harbor and Ellsworth

Cheryl L. Smith, 79, died peacefully on January 8, 2026, at Magnolia Assisted Living, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 20, 1946, in Machias, the daughter of Roderick E. and June K. (Chadwick) McDonald.

Cheryl graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1965. She then attended Husson College in Bangor. Cheryl found her soulmate; Thomas C. Smith, and they married in 1986. She was an employee of Carroll Drug Store in Southwest Harbor for many years. Cheryl devoted her time to her large family and the Lord.

As a devout Catholic, she attended Mass at St. Peter Catholic Church in Manset, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Bar Harbor and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellsworth. Cheryl was a member of the Alcyone Chapter #71 OES of Milbridge and Past Matron of the Rubie Chapter #31 OES of Winter Harbor.

Cheryl is survived by two sons, Stephen A. Chipman and Warren C. Smith (Leanne), three daughters, Lisa M. Hammond (Arthur), Karen L. Smith and Joanne L. Smith (Sam), two brothers, John G. McDonald (Dee-Anne) and Thomas E. McDonald (Karen), three sisters, Alma Bonney (Michael), Juliette McDonald and Monica McDonald (Randy); Aunt Gail McDonald; 7 grandchildren, Shelby, Serena, Brady, Jordyn, Katie, Hanna and Sophia, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Roderick and June, son, Michael V. Chipman, brother, James R. McDonald and husband, Thomas C. Smith.

Viewing hours will be from 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Thursday, January 15, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 231 Main St. Ellsworth where a funeral mass will follow at 11am. Spring interment will be at Mt. Height Cemetery, Southwest Harbor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Chadwick Family Educational Scholarship, 167 Turnbull Way, Ellsworth, ME 04605 or Island Connections, 94 Cottage Street, Suite 101, Bar Harbor, Me 04609. Her family is greatly appreciative of her loving caregivers, Ginny, Cindy, Staff at Magnolia Assisted Living and Beacon Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

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Mary B. Kessler

Southwest Harbor

Mary Bernice Kessler, 94, of Southwest Harbor passed away (after a brief illness) on January 7, 2025, at Birch Bay Village with her daughters by her side. She was born November 12, 1931, in Verdun, Montreal, Province of Quebec, to Soloman and Ada (Evans) Janes.

A month later the family returned to their hometown of Port aux Basque, Newfoundland, where Mary grew up. At a dance she met her future husband, Paul Kessler, a US Coast Guard Engineer stationed in Port aux Basque. They were married in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, in 1950, before Paul’s work relocated them to the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee, where they welcomed their first daughter, Carol, in 1951.

Paul’s career then brought them to Downeast Maine, where he served at several lighthouses, including West Quoddy Head. Then they were transferred to Southwest Harbor Coast Guard Base. Also, Mary and Paul spent 10 years on the Ohio River serving the US Coast Guard.

Upon retiring to Southwest Harbor in 1965, Mary opened the Kob & Kurl hair salon and Paul opened Paul’s Repair Service. They welcomed a second daughter, Cheryl, in 1968. Mary was a member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church. They both enjoyed playing cards and camping with friends and family.

Mary is survived by her daughter Carol Walls and husband Donald of Somesville; daughter Cheryl Young and husband Shawn of Bar Harbor; brother George Janes and Felice of Southwest Harbor; grandson Travis Walls and Ashley Rosborough of Southwest Harbor; granddaughter Melissa Walls and Dana Pelletier of Bar Harbor; niece Jennifer Janes and Jason Allen; nephew Matthew and Kara Janes; and great-grandson Tyson Kessler Walls, with whom she shared a special bond and loved very much.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers and staff at Birch Bay Village. The compassion shown to our mother was of great comfort to her and our family.

A private ceremony will be held in the spring.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

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Jane Holloway

Bar Harbor

Jane Holloway passed peacefully in her sleep under the loving care of her daughter, Mary Ann, in Littleton, Massachusetts, and went to be with her Lord and Savior on the 27th of December 2025. Janet (Jane) Margaret Benner was born in Nobleboro, Maine, July 16, 1930, to Arthur and Helen (Getchell) Benner.

Jane walked to grammar school in Nobleboro and Damariscotta Mills. Jane attended Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, Maine, and graduated in 1948. While there, Jane participated in numerous clubs and activities, including glee club and cheerleading, both band and orchestra, and both the Latin and French clubs. She was on the Junior prom committee, the Vice President of the hiking club, and assistant business manager for the senior class play. In addition to being a Librarian, Jane was on the Lincolnian Board, the fair committee, and in the Washington club.

A vivacious Jane attended Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Virginia, in 1950 and 1951, leading to her Degree in Liberal Arts. While at VI, Jane frequented the Grand Ole Opry, where she developed her lifelong love of country music. On campus, Jane was active in the New England club, the international relations club, including radio work as a DJ, the H2O club, and the Young Women’s Christian Association. Jane received her swimmers instructor certificate from the YWCA and later taught swimming for the American Red Cross back in Maine. Along with her friend, Bettye, Jane was also active in tennis.

With her Liberal Arts Degree in hand, Jane attended Gorham State Teachers’ College where she continued to stay active in college with band and orchestra, the student council, and the house committee. She also enjoyed art club, Canterbury club, drama club, Future Teachers of America, and the YWCA. Jane graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Kindergarten – Primary Education.

During the summer of ’52, Jane frequented the Blue Goose Dance Hall in Belfast, where she ensnared a newly separated Air Force veteran. Not wanting this beautiful college girl to get away, the following Winter Break of her senior year at Gorham, John Parker Holloway married Jane on the 14th of December 1952. After graduation, she began teaching in Union, Hope, and Lincolnville, Maine. Jane moved with her growing family to Bar Harbor from Lincolnville Center, Maine, in 1963, and taught for two and a half-years at Edwards Catholic School before getting a third-grade teaching position at Ethel I. Connors Elementary School. Jane spent over 33 years teaching before finally retiring in 1992.

While in Bar Harbor, Jane and John joined the Acadian Bells and Buoys (The Harborlighters). Jane worked on the Church Council for the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and belonged to the Daughters of Isabella. Jane was a member of the YWCA, the Maine Teachers Association, and the National Education Association.

One of Jane’s lifelong memories was while they lived near Camden, Maine. Hollywood was filming Peyton Place there and needed people for the band in the movie. Jane got to watch John play his clarinet for the local band in the movie. She had the opportunity to watch some of the filming, which she thought was interesting, and also enjoyed the band while they marched.

Jane had a lifelong fascination with Hawaii. After 50 years of marriage, Jane finally realized her dream of visiting Hawaii while her daughter and family were stationed on Oahu. Jane and John renewed their wedding vows with Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. Not satisfied with one visit, Jane and John visited three summers in a row, to the utter delight of her grandsons. Jane absolutely loved everything about Hawaii—the beach, a luau, the beach, shopping, the beach, the grandsons, and the beach. One visit, Jane did take a break from the beach to visit the big island of Hawaii (home of Pele) where she saw the big volcano, an active lava flow, and a beach with black sand. When Mary and family next moved to Alaska, Jane and John were disappointed they only got to visit one summer for a month. However, in that one visit, they visited Denali National Park and saw moose, bear, salmon, eagles, and other assorted wildlife. Jane did not like the beaches there.

Jane was predeceased by her husband, John Parker Holloway, her infant son, Cedric Parker Holloway, her sister, Beatrice Poole of Portland, and brother, David Benner of Nobleboro. She is survived by her four children, Helen H. (Steve) Strout of Bar Harbor; Mary Ann (David) Jowers of Littleton, Massachusetts; John C. (Sandra) Holloway of Eastport; Nora L. Holloway (Samrith Chap) of Bar Harbor; and Paul C. (Katie) Holloway (Grandson) of Newton, Massachusetts. Jane will also be missed by her eight grandchildren and eight (great-grandchildren), Elana and Chris Diaz (Harrison and Fischer) of Bernard, Jada and Ben Kouba (Jaemin, Brea, and Alden) of Englewood, Florida; Sonya DeWitt of Bangor; Olivia Chap and husband, Andrei Parnomarev of Washington, D.C.; Forest Chap of Fairfax, Virginia; Cooper Chap of Boseman, Montana; (Madeline and Caroline Holloway) of Newton, Massachusetts; Matthew Jowers (Jessanamy) of Ayer, Massachusetts; and John Jowers of Littleton, Massachusetts.

A visitation will be held 2-4 p.m., Friday, the January 16, 2026, at Jordan Fernald, 1139 Main Street, Mount Desert, Maine 04660.

A Mass will be celebrated 1 p.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 56 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to either Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, or Lincoln Academy, Class of 1948, 81 Academy Hill, Newcastle, ME, 04553. Forever a teacher, Jane wrote the first draft of her obituary as an example to her former students.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

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Arlington Elliott Bickford

Manset

Arlington Elliott Bickford, born Jan. 20, 1948, passed at home on Nov. 18, 2025, survived by his wife Patricia and his children Troy Bickford (Cristin), Jessicca Bickford, and stepchildren Eddie (Lisa), Hilary (Greg), along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Elliott is the son of Arlington and Rebbecca Bickford and grew up in Manset with his siblings Lance, Wade, Stephen, Randy, and sister Trudy.

Known as a Manset boy, Elliott was a hard worker at an early age, lobstering, scalloping, SWD, school bus driver, Gordon & White Garage, Jarvis Newman Boat Shop, Trenton Bridge Lobster, RSU 24 Transportation, Linnehan’s Right Way Auto. Elliott found his true calling on the open road doing what he loved the most.

A celebration service will be planned at a later date.

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J. Clark Grew II

Northeast Harbor and Boston

J. Clark Grew II, the 10th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio and 52nd commander of the USS Constitution, died in his home in Boston on Dec. 22, 2025. He was comfortable and surrounded by his family and many friends, who he continued to make laugh right up to the end.

Clark was born on Dec. 20, 1939, in New York City, the son of Henry Sturgis Grew Jr. and Selina Richards Wood. He was named after his great uncle, Joseph Clark Grew, U.S. Ambassador to Japan during World War II. Clark graduated from St. Mark’s School in Southborough, Mass., in 1958 and from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1962. He graduated from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., with a Master of Divinity in 1978 and was awarded a Doctor of Divinity in 1997 for pastoral and prophetic leadership of the church. He later became Head of EDS’s board. Clark served in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1967, including as the 52nd commander of the USS Constitution from 1965 to 1967. After retiring from the Navy as a lieutenant, Clark became a faculty member at Groton School and then at his alma mater, St. Mark’s School. At St. Mark’s, Clark taught English, was the Director of Admission, the Assistant Head of School, and later served as a Trustee. He was called as rector to St. John’s Church in Westwood, Mass., from 1978 to 1982, and then rector of Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, Ill., from 1982 to 1993. While in Lake Forest, Clark made many lifelong friends and pursued his love of squash, a sport he had played at Harvard, at The Onwentsia Club, where he and his partner JD were undefeated! In 1993, Clark was elected Bishop of Ohio and consecrated to the episcopate in 1994. During his 10 years in Cleveland as Bishop, he promoted unity and support for greater inclusion of women and all Episcopalians in the church.

Clark married Sarah Winslow Loomis Jones “Wendy” on Dec. 27, 1972. Her two children, Patrick Suydam Jones Jr. and Elizabeth Winslow Jones, became his through love as well as adoption. Together, in 1974, Clark and Wendy welcomed their daughter, Sarah Winslow Grew.

Upon his retirement in 2004, Clark and Wendy moved back to Boston, where they fully embraced their life together in Copley Square. Clark contributed to the well-being of Emmanuel Church in the city of Boston, where he was a wise counselor with a deeply pastoral heart. He was involved with Epiphany School and St. George’s School in Newport, R.I. He also took time to enjoy his India Wharf Rats, the camaraderie of the Tavern Club, and his Harvard classmates from the A.D. Club. Over the years, the family has spent significant time in Northeast Harbor, Maine, where Clark was happiest, sitting with friends and family on the porch of Grewvie, playing tennis, puttering in his garden, or going out on the Grewsum and later the Paraclete.

Clark was predeceased by his brother, Henry S. Grew. He is survived by his beloved wife, Wendy; his sister, Selina G. Rossiter (Allen); his brother, Robert S. Grew (Linda); his children, Patrick S. Jones (Katherine M.), Elizabeth W. Jones (Walker H.), and Sarah G. Haskell (Benjamin B.); his grandchildren, Katherine H. Aubuchon-Jones (Haley C.), Macy W. Jones, and Alexandra M. Jones, E. Bannon Jones and Josiah W. Jones, and Hannah W. Haskell, Louisa L. Haskell, and Henry S. Haskell. And his great-granddaughter, K. Willa Aubuchon-Jones; as well as countless friends and extended family. Clark was a great friend to all, with a mischievous sense of humor, a gentle heart, and a generous listening ear. To his loved ones, he had many names: “Tubby” to his friends, “Clarkie” to Wendy, “Dad” to his children, and “Doodoo” to his grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral service on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Emmanuel Church in the city of Boston, 15 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116.

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Marilyn A. McEntee

Bar Harbor and Topsham

The family of Marilyn A. McEntee of Topsham, cherished mother, educator and member of the Topsham community, is saddened to announce her passing on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at age 83.

Born on Aug. 10, 1942, in Bar Harbor to Harold and Leta Cummings, Marilyn’s life was marked by a deep commitment to family, close friends, education, and adventure. She was a proud graduate of Washington State Teachers College, now University of Maine Machias, where she met Arthur McEntee of Lisbon Falls. The two married in 1964 and settled in Topsham to raise their daughters.

Marilyn was a third-grade teacher at the Lisbon Community School and was dedicated to shaping young minds. She loved her students and work colleagues as well, working closely with them for many years and leaving a lasting impression on many students.

Her passion for learning extended beyond the classroom as she delighted in exploring the world. She enjoyed travel and cherished her adventures throughout Europe, Central America, Hawaii and Alaska with her family and friends. She often reminisced about her travels and was especially proud of taking a helicopter ride to the top of a glacier.

She was an avid reader, and her home was filled with books that she shared with friends. She loved to knit and enjoyed making items for her family. She made time every year to go to her favorite place, Salisbury Cove on Mount Desert Island, with her family.

She was known for her sharp wit and endearing sense of humor. She was proud of her Maine heritage and shared it generously with those around her. She will be missed by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur McEntee, her sister Cynthia Kimball, and her favorite aunt, Georgia Candage.

She will be fondly remembered by her daughters Melissa McEntee of Wilton, Jennifer McEntee of Wilmington, Del., her sister-in-law Faye McEntee of Topsham, and her niece Katrina Kimball of Trenton.

A gathering for friends and family will be held at the Harraseeket Inn, Freeport, on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, from 1-3 p.m.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to PeoplePlus in Brunswick, an organization that Marilyn held dear to her heart.

To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.

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Steven Daniel Rankin

Southwest Harbor

On Dec. 20, 2025, in Southwest Harbor, Steven Daniel Rankin passed away at 53. He was born Feb. 2, 1972, to Wanda Lee Lindsey and Charles Rankin. He is survived by his brother Charles Rankin Jr. and Shannon of Prospect, Conn., along with nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Steve grew up at Violette’s Beach on Green Lake. He would help Al Violette run the beach and hire bands. Sometimes during summers as a kid, he worked the carnivals and fairs making doughboys for the customers. Steve loved boating on the water and would later on make this a lifelong passion.

He attended Brewer schools and graduated from Brewer High School. Steve won numerous awards in high school for his welding abilities. He started his career as a welder.

Steve moved to Southwest several years ago! He had found the place he wanted to call home. He had worked several jobs in town including A.W. Pettigrew’s, Ocean House and Hinckley’s in the boatbuilding industry.

He was always around to help anyone in need. He was always kind, generous and a ray of sunshine. He enjoyed his daily rides to Seawall with Martha Buzzell, Joan Terry, and Edgar Elliott, his cribbage partner. Steve would take pictures of all the deer and wildlife he would see.

His last job was working with Marty and John Williams at the Café Drydock and Inn. John and Steve worked on their rental properties in Southwest Harbor along with installing a stairlift for the Inn. He rode shotgun for John in his boat and truck, not missing a chance to punch John in the shoulder every time a Volkswagen passed by.

Along with Martha, he decorated the house with lights and a tree for Xmas. Steve passed away with his beloved cat, Boo, by his side.

Steve was predeceased by his good friends, Edgar Eliott, Peggy Lewis, and Jane Dunbar. He is survived by many special friends including those from the Common Good kitchen where he would go on Fridays for dinner.

Steve lived life to the fullest, Steve loved you all!

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