Elizabeth “Betty” Bryer. Daniel M. Dunn. Thomas Richard Rolfes. Nancy “Gram” Merchant. Nancy Elizabeth Montserrat. Everett Almon Beal Jr.
just now
“People We’ve Lost” is a feature of the Bar Harbor Story where we share obituaries of people that the island area has 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.
Elizabeth “Betty” Bryer
Bar Harbor
Elizabeth “Betty” Bryer, 88, died peacefully on October 29, 2026 at NL Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor. Betty was born in 1937 in North Conway, NH, daughter of Stanley P. and Ruth H. (Cobb) Brewer.
Betty graduated from Caribou High School in 1955 and Farmington State Teachers College in 1959. She married the love of her life, Dean Bryer, in 1959, beginning a loving partnership that would span more than six decades. Betty taught elementary school in Orono, Windham, and Freeport, before settling in Bar Harbor in 1967. She is fondly remembered by many in the community for her roles as head teacher at Eden Nursery School and Realtor at the Swan Agency. She remembered former students throughout her life and came to call former real estate client’s friends. Betty’s real estate career cumulated in receipt of the Maine Realtor of the Year award in 2018.
A beloved member of her community, Betty loved good food, books, laughter, holidays, and time with friends and family. She gave her time generously to numerous organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the Rotary Club, the Congregational Church, MDI Hospital Auxiliary, Bar Harbor Housing Authority, Jesup Library, and Birch Bay Retirement Community. She was also a Notary Public.
Betty is survived by her husband Dean; her son Jeremy Bryer of Bar Harbor, wife Katy, and his children Kendra Bryer, Avary Bryer, and Callahan Bryer; her daughter Rebecca Bryer of Gray and her children Macy Bryer-Charette, Kyla Bryer-Charette, and Haylie Asselin; as well as by those who knew her as “Aunt Betty.” She was predeceased by her younger brothers Daniel Brewer and Albert Brewer.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 1 PM, Sat., November 21, 2026 at the Congregational Church in Bar Harbor. Contributions in her name may be made to Special Olympics.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Daniel M. Dunn
Bar Harbor
Daniel M. Dunn, 37, of Bar Harbor, passed away on October 17, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. Danny was born in Bar Harbor, Maine, to Thomas and Penny (Strout) Dunn. He graduated from MDI High School in 2008 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Husson University. He worked in the family’s plumbing and heating business, where his knowledge, skill, and work ethic made him exceptionally good at what he did. He took pride in a job well done and in building something meaningful alongside his family.
Danny was a man of extraordinary strength and determination. Time and again, he faced cancer head-on and kicked its ass, showing a resilience that amazed everyone around him. But his life was not defined by his diagnosis. It was defined by the way he lived, the people he loved, the friendships he built, and the countless adventures and memories he made along the way. Above all else, Danny was a family man. He shared a deep and unwavering love with his wife, Hannah. They faced life’s greatest joys and hardest challenges side by side, continuing to choose each other through it all.
Danny loved providing for his family and sharing his passions with Hannah, especially fishing and bird hunting. He even convinced her they needed a Jeep and a boat, which she reluctantly allowed everyone to refer to as “Danny’s.” He was an incredibly proud father to Eloise and Connor, the greatest joys of his life. He loved them fiercely and treasured family traditions, time together, and making lasting memories. His love for them will forever be part of his legacy.
Danny never knew a stranger. He genuinely loved connecting with people, learning about their lives, and finding common ground. Whether someone had known him for years or had just met him, he had a natural way of making them feel welcome. Kind, generous, and funny, he would give you the shirt off his back, make you laugh when you needed it most, and turn an ordinary day into a lasting memory. He was a loyal friend who gave people more than they ever expected, and he was rarely in a hurry to leave a good party. Danny was a member of the Masons and Shriners and valued their fellowship and service.
A true hobbyist, outdoorsman, and jack-of-all-trades, Danny was always learning. After his first stem cell transplant, he took up maple syrup making and created Ellie’s Maple Co., named after his daughter, whom he carried through the woods while tapping trees and checking buckets. He reloaded ammunition, foraged, butchered and smoked meat, and made jerky. He enjoyed making homemade sushi and could often be caught downing raw scallops fresh from the boat. Whatever Danny was doing, he wanted to learn everything he could about it, become skilled at it, and find a way to do it better.
Aviation held a particularly important place in his life. By becoming a pilot, Danny proudly carried forward a tradition shared by generations of Dunn pilots. Whether working with his hands or taking to the skies, he found deep satisfaction in mastering a skill. Danny loved the family’s blueberry field, time at the family camp on Beech Hill Pond, and weekends at Tin Whistle Camp and Rock Crossing. Hunting and fishing were among his greatest passions, and he took pride in living off the land and carrying traditions forward. He treasured the many incredible moose hunts he shared with family and friends, and no one was better at spotting a partridge in the woods. On fresh snow, he preferred tracking a deer to sitting in a stand, though he appreciated the peace of a still morning in the woods. His family will always remember him pulling into the driveway after dark, his deer strapped proudly atop the Jeep, eager to show them the day’s hunt. Danny knew where to find the peaceful and beautiful things in life. He cherished ice fishing from the Natty Shack, trips to Duck Lake and Chamberlain, and fishing for stripers from his boat along the coast. Snowmobiling was a lifelong passion, from childhood rides to adventures across deep, fresh snow, always searching for the next jump or hill to climb. Whether on the ice, the water, or the trail, he found joy in sharing these places and experiences with others. He brought enthusiasm, fearlessness, and a competitive spirit to everything he did. An incredible athlete, Danny had the drive, determination, and natural ability to excel. He loved slalom water skiing and was known to get a little wild on three-wheelers, four-wheelers, snowmobiles, and boats, including the Hydrostream. He worked hard, played hard, and approached life with a spirit that was unmistakably his own. He was a devoted Patriots fan and loved gathering with the people closest to him.
Danny is survived by his wife, Hannah; his children, Eloise and Connor; his beloved dog, Rally; his parents, Thomas and Penny Dunn; his older brother, Dustin Dunn, Dustin’s wife, Nichole, and their children, Greyson, Ivy, and Levi; and many special aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Alvah and Alberta Strout; his paternal grandfather, George Dunn; and his aunt, Jennifer Westphal.
Danny leaves behind more than memories. He leaves traditions to carry on, skills to pass down, stories to tell, and a family and community made richer by having known him. His children will grow up knowing how deeply their dad loved them and how proud he was of them. His family and friends will find pieces of Danny in the first tracks across fresh snow, the stillness of a lake, the warmth of a hunting camp, the satisfaction of work done well, and stories that grow better each time they are told. Most of all, they will remember his humor, generosity, strength, curiosity, and the way he made people feel.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 pm, Nov. 8, 2026 at Mt. Desert Island High School, 1081 Eagle Lake Rd., Bar Harbor, ME 04609.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Danny may make a contribution to the Danny Dunn Family Fund at givesendgo.com/danny-dunn-fundraiser. Contributions will go toward supporting Hannah and the children, and helping provide for their future.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Thomas Richard Rolfes
Mount Desert Island
Thomas Richard Rolfes, 88, died peacefully at MDI Hospital on September 24, 2026, after a stroke. Born July 20, 1938, he was the son of Clarence and Margaret (Punch) Rolfes. The eldest of six children, he was predeceased by his brothers Daniel, Edward (Rebecca), and Michael (Nancy). He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Virginia; sister Mary (George) Schewe; brother Kenneth (Mary-Alice); son Sean; daughter Tiffany (Phil) Kidd; and granddaughter Arwynn.
Tom was a generous man who devotedly loved his family. His Catholic faith was central to his life. He belonged to St. James Church in Wyoming, Ohio, and St. Peter’s Church in Manset, Maine. He attended Mass several times each week and frequently served his church communities as a lector and Eucharistic minister.
Tom enjoyed the outdoors and became an Eagle Scout (and was admitted to the Order of the Arrow). When he was 16, his father died, and he helped raise his siblings until he transferred from Villa Madonna College to the University of Dayton. He then proceeded to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering. He maintained his license as a professional engineer for the rest of his life. He later attended Xavier University to earn an MBA.
Tom worked in Procter & Gamble’s international division, traveling throughout Japan, the Philippines, Australia, South and Central America, Europe, and China. He was awarded patents US-5972861-A and US-4097318 and developed passions for sailboat racing and Mesoamerican archaeology.
In 1989, Tom established roots on MDI and found a place on Connor Point in Southwest Harbor. He converted the cottage into an A Frame and planned to make it his home on MDI. Seven years later, he purchased the property in Somesville and had the vision to see past the ramshackle house and tumble-down barn on the property at the head of Somes Sound. He busied himself designing the house that stands there today. He originally intended to sell the property and retain the place at Connor Point. In 2018, he reconsidered that plan. Soon after the house was complete, he found that he had also invested a great deal of himself in the home and was reluctant to sell it. He opened it to many guests, hosting countless musicians and theatrical performers for the Bar Harbor Music Festival.
The beauty of Mount Desert Island provided an excellent setting for sailing. Tom joined the local yacht club and raced regularly. He served two terms as commodore of the Southwest Harbor Yacht Club and became a member of the Northeast Harbor Fleet.
To improve the sailing experience at SHYC, Tom was instrumental in reviving the Luders-16s as a sailing division at MDI. He trailered three Luders to Maine to help grow the fleet. He renamed one of the Luders Paladin and competed with it weekly during the summer months until 2025. His favorite boat was a J-105 called Sidewinder, which he raced as far east as Digby, Nova Scotia, and as far west as Rockport, Maine, often undertaking multiday regattas. In 2015, he was asked to represent Maine against 16 teams from around the country in the National Hospice Regatta.
Tom enjoyed poetry as much as music. Beginning in 2019, he sent friends and family “The Poem for the Day,” transcribing selections from his poetry books that he found inspiring or delightful, along with news and personal thoughts.
Though he leaves a legacy of service and dedication, Tom will be remembered most for the love he shared with his family and the friendships he cherished; as well as the kindness, strength and generosity that touched so many lives. His presence will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on November 20 at St. James of the Valley Church, 411 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, Ohio. In celebration of his life and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Tom’s memory to the Bar Harbor Music Festival, Rodick Building, 59 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, and the MDI Community Sailing Center, P.O. Box 116, Southwest Harbor, Maine 04679. A celebration of life service will be held next summer on the water in the Great Harbor.
Nancy “Gram” Merchant
Hall Quarry
Most obituaries tell the story of a life through a list of accomplishments and achievements. But Nancy “Gram” Merchant’s life was never measured in accolades. It was measured in the way she made people feel, the memories she created, the traditions she carried on, and the extraordinary amount of love she poured into the people lucky enough to call her theirs.
Nancy made her home in Hall Quarry with her husband of 62 years, Robert “Bo” Merchant. Together, they built a life centered around family, laughter, and making ordinary days feel extraordinary.
To say Gram loved a holiday would be an understatement. She celebrated everything, with an enthusiasm entirely her own. Christmas and Halloween were particularly spectacular, with decorations that seemed to multiply year after year. No occasion was too small to celebrate, no birthday too insignificant to remember, and no gathering complete without Gram insisting you take something home. Beside her landline phone sat her trusty calendar, filled with birthdays, anniversaries, and important dates. Forgetting someone simply wasn’t an option.
Her love language was gifts, time, and the memories made in between. Sometimes that love arrived in a pan of homemade fudge or a birthday cake. Other times, it took the form of elaborate Easter egg hunts, unforgettable Christmas mornings, adventures to Disney World, or the life-sized playhouses that Bo built and Gram lovingly decorated. Those little houses, many still dotting the dooryards of her children and grandchildren, remain reminders of the magic she created.
One of seven children, and the last surviving of her siblings, Nancy grew up with far more imagination than material possessions. It was clear she was determined to give her grandchildren some of the childhood magic she hadn’t always experienced herself. And she succeeded, spectacularly.
Gram was a gifted storyteller with a remarkable memory and a colorful childhood that provided no shortage of material. Her stories were full of mischief, adventure, resourcefulness, and wit. What her family lacked in resources, they made up for in creativity and ingenuity. She was scrappy, clever, and endlessly entertaining.
Her love of animals began in childhood, with tales of unconventional pets, usually of the wild variety. Over the years, she shared her home with many beloved dogs, most recently Bonnie and Clyde, her faithful canine companions. Her affection extended beyond household pets, too. Even in her later years, she baked biscuits for her own little family of wild deer, who regularly came to dine off her porch.
She also loved a little excitement. Bingo, or “beano,” as she called it, and trips to the casino to try her luck at the slots were favorite pastimes. A gambler right down to her final days, Gram never lost her appetite for fun or the possibility of a lucky streak.
But above all, Nancy loved her family. Her three children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren were the center of her world. Somehow, she had a way of making each one feel like the only one. She was a familiar face at sporting events, school performances, and celebrations, always showing up to cheer them on. She collected newspaper clippings, photographs, and accomplishments, turning them into collages celebrating her family. An amateur family historian, she spent countless hours tracing family trees and piecing together stories of generations past. Whether documenting their history or cheering from the sidelines, Gram was, quite simply, their biggest fan.
Nancy leaves behind her husband of 62 years, Robert “Bo” Merchant; her children, Roberta Burgess; Randy Merchant and his wife, Erica; and Glen Merchant and his wife, Wendy. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, Mandy Fountaine and her husband, Eric Pronovost; Erik Merchant; Ethan Merchant and his wife, Alexandra; Jason Fountaine; Justin Fountaine; Samantha Burgess; Alexis Merchant; and Gabby Merchant; four great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Harper, Liam, and Landon; and countless extended family members and special friends.
Nancy will be laid to rest alongside her parents, Myra and Alvie Frye, whom she affectionately called “Mama” and “Daddy.”
In celebration of Gram’s life, and in the spirit of a woman who never missed an opportunity to make Christmas magical, her family encourages you to choose a child from a local Angel Tree this holiday season.
And, in the words she used to end so many conversations, with that familiar smile and unmistakable Maine accent:
“Love ya, dea’ah.”
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Nancy Elizabeth Montserrat
Bar Harbor
Nancy Elizabeth Montserrat (née Casey), 79, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 31, with her beloved children and caregivers by her side.
Caring, service, and love for others were the red threads of Nancy’s life. Born and raised in Bar Harbor, one of four daughters of William and Eleanore Casey, she attended Mount Desert Island High School and Eastern Maine Medical Center School of Nursing. As a registered nurse on the obstetrics ward, she cared for women and newborns at Women and Children’s Hospital in Boston and Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, N.J.
Nancy’s famous love for music started early, “singing a third” with her parents, both of whom were gifted musicians; playing guitar and piano; singing in the school chorus; and performing in public alongside the other Casey Sisters, Judy, Mary and Teresa. A strong musical spirit followed her throughout her life: Nancy could always be counted on to break into song at the slightest provocation, and to harmonize with whatever might be playing on the radio.
Nancy continued her life of service through volunteer work with the Monmouth County Office of Social Services and at Holy Cross Church in Rumson, N.J. Eventually, her volunteer work became a full-time job, as she served as director of development for the Visiting Nurses Association of Central New Jersey.
Later, Nancy put her talents to use as an entrepreneur, founding a successful event planning business. This “barber’s daughter” soon found herself organizing lavish events in New York City, rubbing shoulders with celebrities while never losing her warm smile, her nurturing spirit, and, as the song goes, her laughing face.
Nancy spent many joyful hours on the grass courts of Seabright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club in Rumson, N.J. She loved a friendly doubles match on a summer afternoon, although she may have loved enjoying a laugh and a drink with friends afterward even more.
Above all, Nancy was the solid center of a large, loving, and beautifully messy “blended family.” She raised children and stepchildren alike with compassion, patience and unconditional love.
At age 63, Nancy was diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy, a rare, progressive, and incurable neurodegenerative disease. While she gradually lost her ability to do many of the things she loved, Nancy’s unique and beautiful spirit remained undiminished to the very end, and remains so still. The family wishes to thank Nancy’s amazing caregivers, Jennifer George and Janet Thomas, and her neurologist Dr. Martin Goldstein, for their skillful and compassionate support over many years.
Nancy is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Torchia and son-in-law Matt Torchia of Cohasset, Mass.; son Tom Snow and daughter-in-law Lydia Knab of Cambridge, Mass.; daughter Margie Montserrat and son-in-law Stephen Sheehan of Fair Haven, N.J.; and grandchildren Katherine, John, Daniel, and Casey Torchia; Mia, Ellie, and Sarah Snow; Constantin Knab; and Wesley and Matthew Montserrat. She was predeceased by her ex-husband Robert Montserrat and son Robert Montserrat Jr., and is survived by her ex-husband Don Snow of Stuart, Fla. Technically, there should be some “steps” and “halfs” in the list above, but such prefixes were irrelevant in Nancy’s eyes.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Nancy’s memory to the Neuropathology Brain Bank at Mount Sinai Health System: giving.mountsinai.org/goto/Nancy.
Everett Almon Beal Jr.
Ellsworth
Everett Almon Beal Jr., 91 died at home November 5, 2026. He was born May 15,1935, in Ellsworth the son of Everett A Beal, Sr. and Theodora (Wentworth) Beal.
Everett graduated from Ellsworth High School, the class of 1952. About two weeks later, L.S. Thorsen Corp. took a leap of faith and hired him. He stayed with the company until it closed, 34 years later. He ended his working career with Joe Young at Downeast Adjusters and Appraisers.
In 1962 he married his precious wife Linda (Stevens). They had two sons and a daughter of whom we are very proud. They in turn gave them grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
It was his privilege to travel throughout Maine as a driver for his beloved wife as she pursued her activities, as a fisherman with his dad and his father-in-law Chet, BSA Troop 85 as a Troop Leader, an instructor of Maine’s Hunter Safety program and an adjuster in the insurance industry. He enjoyed being a Ham Radio operator, call sign, KA1BFA.
Everett is survived by his loving wife Linda (Stevens) Beal; son Everett and wife Michelle of Ellsworth; daughter Laurie Wilder and husband Scott of Brewer; son Charles and wife Robin of Ellsworth; grandchildren Evan Beal and wife Monica and their son Theodore Everett, granddaughter Kara Beal and fiancé Tommy Puiia, granddaughter Whitney Wilder, grandson Jason Wilder, his wife Lauren and their children Liam, Reagan, and Jackson; granddaughter Krissy, husband Mark Webber and their children Jasper and Asher. Grandson Matt Hudson and his daughters Tessa and Taelyn.
Private family services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Gifts in Everett’s memory may be made to Sarah’s House, 346 Main Road, Holden, Maine 04429.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
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