1914 – 2016

BOWDOIN — Virginia Louise Tardiff, 101, of Fisher Road, Lisbon Falls, peacefully passed away Thursday morning, Aug. 4, at her daughter’s home in West Bowdoin with her family at her side.

She was born in Lisbon Falls on Sept. 30, 1914, a daughter of the late Alla and Alice (Cahill) Goddard. She grew up in the Lisbon Falls area and attended local schools. She was a graduate of Lisbon High School, Class of 1931.

On May 15, 1935, Virginia married Rosario Tardiff and the two started a family together. Over the years, she raised seven children while helping Rosario on their farm and serving the community as the postmaster of West Bowdoin for 26 years.

She was a member of the West Bowdoin Baptist Church, the West Bowdoin Baptist Church Mission Circle, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Lisbon Historical Society, the Bowdoin Historical Society, the Bowdoin School Committee, the former Sagadahoc Grange No. 31, and a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star (Pioneer Chapter No. 11).

Virginia had a lifelong passion for reading. She was an expert at crossword puzzles and loved traveling with her best friend, Ginny. An ardent fan of the Boston Red Sox, one of her most cherished later moments was having her picture taken with team members and their World Series trophy.

At 100 years of age, Virginia was presented with Lisbon’s Boston Post Cane Award as the town’s oldest citizen. A fixture in her community, she is remembered for always “being there,” extending a helping hand and an open ear to one and all.

Virginia is survived by her children, Lynne Hagan and her partner, Zeb Trask, of Newport, Carole Sligh and her husband, Harvey, of Fayetteville, Pa., Terry Tardiff and his wife, Patricia, of Lisbon Falls, Randall Tardiff and his wife, Susan, of Lisbon Falls, Thomas Tardiff and his wife, Mary Carr, of Castle Rock, Colo., and Laurie Fuller and her husband, Barry, of West Bowdoin. Virginia also leaves behind 19 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Rosario, in 1994; her son Dean in 1960; four sisters; three brothers; and her best friend, Ginny Higgins.

The family would like to thank all of Virginia’s caregivers. A special thanks goes to the supportive staff of the Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, most particularly Holly House and Keena Sullivan, to Rene Powers of Lisbon Family Practice and Sheryl Flament who lovingly provide respite.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.

BOWDOIN — Virginia Louise Tardiff, 101, of Fisher Road, Lisbon Falls, peacefully passed away Thursday morning, Aug. 4 at her daughter’s home in West Bowdoin with her family at her side.

She was born in Lisbon Falls on Sept. 30, 1914, a daughter of the late Alla and Alice (Cahill) Goddard. She grew up in the Lisbon Falls area and attended local schools. She was a graduate of Lisbon High School, class of 1931.

On May 15, 1935 Virginia married Rosario Tardiff and the two started a family together. Over the years, she raised seven children while helping Rosario on their farm and serving the community as the postmaster of West Bowdoin for 26 years.

She was a member of the West Bowdoin Baptist Church, the West Bowdoin Baptist Church Mission Circle, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Lisbon Historical Society, the Bowdoin Historical Society, the Bowdoin School Committee, the former Sagadahoc Grange #31, and a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star (Pioneer Chapter #11).

Virginia had a lifelong passion for reading. She was an expert at crossword puzzles and loved traveling with her best friend, Ginny. An ardent fan of the Boston Red Sox, one of her most cherished later moments was having her picture taken with team members and their World Series trophy.

At 100 years of age, Virginia was presented with Lisbon’s Boston Post Cane Award as the town’s oldest citizen. A fixture in her community, she is remembered for always “being there,” extending a helping hand and an open ear to one and all.

Virginia is survived by her children, Lynne Hagan and her partner, Zeb Trask, of Newport, Carole Sligh and her husband, Harvey, of Fayetteville, Pa., Terry Tardiff and his wife, Patricia, of Lisbon Falls, Randall Tardiff and his wife, Susan, of Lisbon Falls, Thomas Tardiff and his wife, Mary Carr, of Castle Rock, Colo., and Laurie Fuller and her husband, Barry, of West Bowdoin. Virginia also leaves behind 19 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Rosario in 1994; her son, Dean in 1960; four sisters; three brothers; and her best friend, Ginny Higgins.

The family would like to thank all of Virginia’s caregivers. A special thanks goes to the supportive staff of the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, most particularly Holly House and Keena Sullivan, to Rene Powers of Lisbon Family Practice and Sheryl Flament who lovingly provide respite.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.