SCARBOROUGH — Pauline Marie (“Polly”) Bragdon, 78, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Jan. 13 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, after months of declining health.

She was born in Lewiston on April 5, 1939, to Clifton and Marie (Hanson) Burns, grew up in New Gloucester and attended area schools. She graduated from New Gloucester High School in 1956 where she met and fell in love with her classmate, Charles E. (Charlie) Bragdon Jr. who eventually became her husband.

She worked at both Wasson’s Grove and Cole Farms Restaurant after high school. Polly and Charlie married in 1957 and together had three children, moving to Kennebunk in 1964, where she and her young children spent many enjoyable summer days at Kennebunk Beach.

In September of 1973, Polly, Charlie and their family suffered the painful loss of their youngest child and only daughter, Patty.

In 1984 Polly and Charlie moved to a cottage on Sebago Lake they had purchased, expanding it to create a home they used as a center for family gatherings, where Polly loved to entertain family and guests, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere on the shores of the lake.

Polly returned to work in 1969 working in the area of medical administration, including 22 years with Nephrology Associates in Portland, where she was a hardworking and dedicated office manager.

Polly and Charlie both retired on the same day in November of 2000. Shortly thereafter, they flew to Florida, bought a car and became residents of Marco Island, Fla. for the next 14 years.

Polly loved the car trips back and forth between Florida and Maine. She was always ready for a boat ride during their years in Marco Island and loved to watch the dolphins. Although not a fisherman herself she always made sure lunch was packed and often acted as the photographer. Polly enjoyed her daily five-mile walk, shopping, traveling, baking and sports.

She was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Elizabeth “Betty” (Burns) Haney Jackson, her brother, Kenneth (“Skip”) Burns and her daughter, Patricia Marie Bragdon.

Survivors include her loving husband of 60 years, Charles E. (“Charlie”) Bragdon Jr. of Wells; two sons, Stephen L. Bragdon and his significant other, Carole Labranche, and David C. Bragdon and fiancee, Gayle Witham, all of Scarborough; three grandchildren, Amy Patricia Bragdon of Portland, Eric Charles Bragdon and wife, Mia, of South Eliot, Stephanie Marie Bragdon and significant other, Joshua Bartlett of Salisbury, N.H.; nieces, Julie Haney York, Shelley Jackson; nephews, Phillip Jackson and Andrew Jackson; brother-in-law, William (“Bill”) Bragdon and wife, Aline Bragdon; former daughters-in-law, Sandra L. Harpell and Amber L. Bragdon; and great-nieces and nephews. Polly also leaves behind Brody, her beloved cat.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Polly’s Book of Memories page at www.bibberfuneral.com.

Pauline “Polly” Bragdon

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