Susan Annette Cook. L. Brian Richardson. Charlotte Shabrach. William A. Downing. Gerald “Jake” Groder. Anne C. Pomroy, Michael Edward Day. Sandra Marie (Bailey) Krupke. Sharon Bray.
Apr 26, 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. We will also share obituaries that have been in other places, too. Just let us know.
By request we’ve started sharing obituaries from throughout Hancock County. This is a bit of a bigger lift for us, but we’ll try to keep doing it if it’s something that you all want. We all are so connected here.
Susan Annette Cook
Bass Harbor
Susan Annette Cook, free spirit and true friend, drew her last breath April 14, 2026, in the presence of people who loved her. Born in Skowhegan, Maine, September 22, 1953, to Annette Mildred Staples Cook and Charles Clayton Cook, Sue learned self-reliance growing up on a dairy farm in Cornville, Maine.
As a child, she sold cucumbers and corn at the roadside and was assigned responsibility for the cows while her older sister, Sandra, did the indoor chores. After graduating from Skowhegan High School, she earned her Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with high distinction from The University of Maine at Farmington before relocating to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from The University of Maine at Orono.
From there Sue was recruited by Dr. Charity Waymouth to join her research lab at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor where Sue worked diligently in a variety of positions during her 43-plus year career there. She contributed to discovery in several areas, including the genetics of diabetes with Dr. Edward Leiter, and the development of mouse models for human disease as a key member of the Genetic Resource Sciences program with Dr. Muriel Davisson. In that program, she characterized and mapped approximately 150 spontaneous mutants with relevance in many fields, including neurological and neuromuscular defects, hearing loss, kidney disease, and developmental defects. In addition, Sue co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed papers and a NIH-funded grant that studied the biology and genetics of kidney disorders. In the last 15 years of her long career, she was part of the genotyping team. She didn’t seek the spotlight in her work; instead, she excelled in the troubleshooting and validation that made every product as optimized as possible. She had what colleagues affectionately called “magic hands” — an uncanny ability to get genotyping to work when no one else could. Her dedication to The Jackson Laboratory and her commitment to doing things with care and excellence made her a role model for many.
Sue described her parents as “hardworking,” and Sue’s own work ethic was second to none. In order to purchase her home in Bass Harbor, she worked two jobs for six years, starting with the overnight shift at Sonogee Estates followed by a full day of work at The Jackson Laboratory. She knew how to squeeze 12 cents out of a dime, yet routinely made generous contributions to various charities, especially those that protected animals and their natural habitat. Sue’s love of animals was a central theme throughout her life; the pets she rescued and loved tended to be as unique in character as she was.
In addition to her work ethic, Sue was known for her dry sense of humor, direct honesty, integrity, tenacity, and loyalty to those she cared for. She kept her own counsel, being generally quiet spoken until, by necessity, she was not. She was always willing to help a friend, no matter how inconvenient. Her many friends appreciated her pithy wit, commonsense practicality and sense of adventure. At home on Mount Desert Island, Sue most enjoyed kayaking or hiking with friends, including circumnavigating MDI via kayak, in stages, with her pal Skippy Lane. Her curiosity and love of exploration were not limited to her home state. A fearless solo traveler, Sue’s many trips abroad included China, Bhutan, Peru, Costa Rica, The Galapagos Islands, South Africa, Turkey, Greece, Portugal, several parts of Italy (including Sicily), and many other destinations throughout Europe, where Barcelona was her favorite.
Sue was predeceased by her parents and sister, Sandra Cook Linkletter, and several close friends, including Priscilla (Skippy) Lane, Dick Trefethen, and Theresa Hopkins. Sue is survived by her stepmother, Helen Cook; brother-in-law Richard Linkletter and wife Nora; nephew Scot Linkletter and his wife Helen; nephew Alan Linkletter and wife Kate; nephew Michael Linkletter and wife Julie; niece Jean Linkletter Bussell and husband Cory; 13 great-nieces and nephews; four great-great-niece and nephews; Mike, Roger, and Gary Staples and many other cousins in the Staples branch of the family; and a diverse array of loyal friends who have many entertaining stories.
To share those tales and remember her unique spirit, a memorial gathering of her friends and family will be held May 13 at High Seas, 276 Schooner Head Rd., Bar Harbor, arrival beginning 4:30 p.m. Bring a dish if you wish. We thank Marlene Walker, Charlene Wallace, Zelma McAlbine and the team of devoted caregivers at Total Care Solutions. Charitable donations in Sue’s memory would be welcomed at any animal shelter, your local library, or Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
L. Brian Richardson
Town Hill
L. Brian Richardson, 75, of Town Hill, Maine, passed away on April 16th, 2026. He was a loving husband, father, and friend to all. He is survived by his wife Ellie, and daughter Kelsey, Kelsey’s husband Justin, and many other relatives.
Charlotte Shabrach
Bar Harbor.
Charlotte Shabrach, known to her friends as Pat, passed away on March 12 at the age of 84 with her family by her side. She was born on June 21, 1941, in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, to Charles and Anna Karow.
Pat enjoyed the simple things in life. Her patio came alive every summer with the colors of her beautiful flowers. This was truly a testament to her green thumb and love of gardening. She also collected many recipes over the years and was known for her delicious apple pies which brought smiles to many.
Pat is survived by her three children: John Shabrach and his wife, Dawn, of Middletown, Del.; Richard and his wife, Debra, of Mount Desert, Maine; and Zina and her husband, Peter, of Boyertown, Pa.; and grandchildren, Lydia Zimmerman, Tiana Smith and Ryan Shabrach. Her twin brother, Charles Karow, passed only days after her passing.
A service celebrating her life will be held on May 23rd at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Bar Harbor. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to donate.jw.org which provides worldwide disaster relief.
William Alan Downing
Bar Harbor
William Alan Downing, a retired Maine warden, passed away on April 19, 2026. Per his request, there will be no formal service.
Gerald “Jake” Groder
Gerald “Jake” Groder, passed away peacefully on 17 April 2026, at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. He was born on February 15, 1947, in Waterville, Maine, to Roseanna and Richard Groder.
Jake was a graduate of Williams High School, Oakland, and Beal College, Bangor. He married Jean Louise Kelley on May 20, 1967. Jake was a longtime employee at Brown Appliance in Ellsworth and was well known for his outgoing, humorous and charismatic nature. A consummate salesman, Jake built genuine trust and long-term relationships with customers and co-workers alike.
As a lifelong Maine resident, Jake loved all the state had to offer. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, a camp on the lake, following all Maine state basketball teams and riding the Downeast Sunrise Trail with his wife, Jean.
He is survived by his wife, Jean; mother-in-law, Gladys; daughter, Ronda; son, Michael; grandchildren Christopher, Michaella and Emiko; and brothers Mike and Neil.
Family, friends and all others whose lives Jake touched are invited to celebrate his life 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home, 113 Franklin Street, Ellsworth. Condolences to the family may be expressed at JordanFernald.com
Anne C. Pomroy
Hancock County
Anne C. Pomroy, 77, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away suddenly on April 13, 2026, as the result of a tragic car accident. Anne was the daughter of A. Clayton Pomroy and Phyllis (Clarke Johnston) Pomroy of Hancock, Maine. Anne spent an idyllic childhood in her beloved Hancock community and her summers at the family camp built by her father on Donnell Pond, a place she thoroughly enjoyed throughout her adult life.
Anne graduated as salutatorian of her class at Ellsworth High School in 1966. She then attended Colby College, graduating in 1970, and obtained a master’s degree in community development in 1974 from the University of Maine. In 1982, Anne received a Juris Doctor from the University of Maine School of Law.
Before attending law school, Anne worked for Ed Muskie and George Mitchell in their offices in Maine and Washington, D.C.; served as executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Council on the Status of Women in Augusta; was acting director of the Hancock County Planning Commission; and worked as director of the WIC Health and Nutrition Program at Downeast Health Services in Ellsworth. After receiving her law degree, Anne served as assistant attorney general in the Child Protection Division of the Department of Human Services in its Bangor office. Anne found her true professional home, however, in York County, establishing a law practice in 1984, first in Old Orchard Beach and then in Biddeford. Much of Anne’s professional focus was on family law, and she became well known and respected for her advocacy on behalf of children and families in need of compassionate, responsible and intelligent representation within the court system. In her private practice, Anne also served as contract attorney for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, representing DHHS for many years in adult guardianship and conservatorship proceedings in York County. Anne retired from the practice of law in May of 2014.
Throughout her thirty-year career as a sole practitioner, Anne received numerous awards and accolades. In 1989, the National Association of Social Workers named her Public Citizen of the Year. Anne was recognized by the members of the Maine Senate and House of Representatives in 1989 for her relentless advocacy as a guardian ad litem on behalf of the best interests of children. Anne served as president of the board of directors of the York County Shelter, where, in 1999, the family program there was named the Anne C. Pomroy Family Center in honor of her work as an advocate for the persons seeking assistance at the Shelter. In 2003, Anne received an award from the Adult Protective Division of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services in appreciation of her dedication and commitment to serving vulnerable adults. In 2003, Anne also received an award from the Family Connections Program in recognition of her assistance to grandparents caring for grandchildren. Anne served as president of the York County Bar Association and, in 2011, was awarded the Charles W. Smith, Jr. award by her peers for her outstanding service to the York Bar Association and her contribution to the practice of law in York County.
Anne’s personal life was filled with friends, pets, books, travel, Scrabble, concerts, museums and plays. After retiring, Anne spent summers at her beloved camp on Donnell Pond, volunteering at the Hancock Historical Society where she helped to secure its new facility, and enjoying her Hancock County friends and family.
Anne was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Carol Johnston Junkins, and husband, Phil; and her sister-in-law, Taiko Johnston. She is survived by her brother, Norris Johnston, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 9, 2026, at Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home in Ellsworth, Maine, with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Anne’s memory to the Hancock Historical Society, P.O. Box 212, Hancock, ME 04640; Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, 443 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101; Maine Public Broadcasting Network, 63 Texas Avenue, Bangor, Maine 04401-4324; or the Ellsworth High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 11, Ellsworth, ME 04605-0011.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
Michael Edward Day
Surry
Michael Edward Day, 75, of Surry, Maine, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, following complications from an automotive accident in The Villages, Florida.
Michael was born on March 27, 1951, in Portland, Maine, to Charles Edward Day and Ruth Mary Day, both of whom predeceased him.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Wendy Ellen Day; three sons, Michael Edward Day II of Freeport, Maine; Sullivan Charles Day and Kate Bond of Pownal, Maine; and Lucas Michael Day and wife Shariena Day of Surry, Maine; granddaughters Reilly, Hannah, Allison and Avigail; grandsons Guillermo, Gideon and Ezriel; as well as three great-grandchildren.
Michael dedicated more than 20 years of his professional life as an Associate Research Professor in the School of Forest Resources at the University of Maine in Orono. He earned his Ph.D. in plant physiology from the University of Maine, where he went on to contribute significantly to the fields of physiological ecology and forest resource management. Through his research, publications, and teaching of both undergraduate and graduate students, he helped shape the understanding and stewardship of forest ecosystems for future generations. For many years he worked as a woodworker and shipwright as well.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael was a devoted husband and father whose life was deeply rooted in curiosity, faith, and a profound appreciation for the natural world. He was an avid sailor, photographer, a thoughtful observer, and a lifelong learner. He was captain of his 1981 Pearson 323, Salvation, and found great joy on the water.
Michael had a deep love of the natural world — whether stopping to guide turtles safely across the road, uncovering fossils during annual trips to Florida, or examining the intricate anatomy of plants found throughout Maine’s forests. His many hobbies reflected a single, enduring passion: to understand, appreciate, and capture the beauty of the natural world God created.
He will be remembered for his intellect, kindness, quiet humor, and the deep love he had for his family and the world around him.
A memorial service will be held on June 6th at 11 a.m. at Crossroads Church, 27 Church Ln., Hancock, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in Michael’s memory — whether by spending time in nature, supporting conservation efforts, or simply helping a small creature safely across the road.
Sandra Marie (Bailey) Krupke
Bangor
Sandra Marie (Bailey) Krupke, 83, of Bangor, passed away peacefully April 19, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born January 11, 1943, in Bradford, the daughter of Leslie Edward Bailey Jr. and Ferne Elizabeth (Snow) Bailey. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Irvin Lionel Krupke, and her three daughters, Debra Marie, Loretta Lynn, and Rebecca Rae Krupke. A full obituary is available on the Brookings-Smith website.
A private service and burial will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Bangor. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Kids’ Corner Childcare Center (81 Mt. Desert St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609).
Sharon Bray
A celebration of life for Sharon Bray will be held Saturday, May 2, 12-2 p.m., in Brown Hall, Elm St. Church, 31 Elm St., Bucksport. There will be a time for sharing memories beginning at 12:30 pm. Light refreshments.
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