Arlene May Randall passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning April 4th, 2018 at Colonial Hill Center in Rochester, New Hampshire.
Arlene was born in Kittery Point, Maine on March 7, 1928. She lived in Kittery Point most of her life in the home that her husband, John Moses Randall, Sr. built for her. She is the daughter of Helen May Woodbury and Harry Hinkley Seaward, and the sister of Edith Marion Estes, all lifelong residents of Kittery Point.
Arlene's life revolved around her husband, John, who predeceased her, her five children and extended family and her church. She met John in her teens while skating at Kimball's Pond in Kittery Point. They courted, fell in love and were married November 8, 1946, at the First Baptist Church parsonage in Kittery Point. They raised five children and over the years their family grew to five grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandsons. Their motto which used to hang in their home was "All because two people fell in love".
Arlene was a long standing member of the First Baptist Church in Kittery Point where she and her family faithfully attended and where she served over the years in many capacities. Arlene, with her husband, John, were also known for caring for others in her community, especially those elderly residents who did not have family nearby, by checking in on them, bringing them a meal, or driving them to appointments. Arlene was famous for her "meatloaf" ministry - sending along a homemade meatloaf to anyone who needed a meal.
Arlene was a skilled artist and craftsperson. She took lessons at the Kittery Point Art Association. She was not only famous for her paintings on canvas but she also painted various scenes on roofing slates. Her artwork hangs in many homes across the country. Arlene and John were involved for many years with craft fairs and had their own craft shop "The Poppycock". Arlene would sell her artwork and John, a skilled craftsman, would sell items he had made.
Once their children grew up, John and Arlene discovered the joys of traveling, often with family. They especially loved cruising to Bermuda or getting away to Booth Bay Harbor which was one of their favorite spots. They also loved Fort Foster where many people would see them walking out on the pier or just sitting in their car enjoying the beautiful view.
Arlene's love for her husband, her family and the Lord lives on in the legacy she leaves behind. She would tell you of her strong Christian faith which she held onto all of her days. Her life's beliefs could be summed up by these lyrics from the old hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness": "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow; Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me".
Mrs. Randall is survived by her children, Helen A. Paulik and husband Michael of St. Louis MO, Linda M. Isaacson and husband Henry of Gonic NH; Faith R. Connell and husband Scott, of East Kingston NH, John Moses Randall, Jr. of Kittery, ME, Beth A. Chabot and husband Carl of Berwick ME, Mrs.
Randall's grandchildren, Jon Saddler and wife Lisa of Farmington NH, Cristian Bowker and husband Jamey of West Newfield ME, Amy Anderson and husband Chuck of Rochester NH, and Rachel Morin and husband Jeff of North Waterboro ME. Mrs. Randall's grandson, John Moses Randall III, predeceased her.
Mrs. Randall has twelve great-grandchildren: Cristina Welch, Mikayla Jones, Patricia, Moriah, Noah and Jonah Saddler, Ethan, Elise, Bryson and Maya Bowker, and Maximillian and Reese Morin. She has two great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The Randall family wishes to thank the staff at Colonial Hill Center for taking such wonderful care of their mother during her final months there. Their dedication and professionalism will always be remembered.
SERVICES: A private burial will be held in May, at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Eliot Baptist Church Youth Program 912 Dow Highway Eliot, ME 03903