AUGUSTA – Arlene Fossett, formerly of Vassalboro, passed away on Feb. 18, 2021 at the age of 100, following a long illness while residing at the Glenridge Comfort Care Unit in Augusta.

Arlene was born on March 18, 1920, the daughter of William and Irene (Field) Hughes. She was raised on the farm on the West River Road, Sidney, by her aunt and uncle, Annie and Carroll Foss.

She was a 1939 graduate of Cony High School and attended Gates Business College.

Arlene married Norman Fossett on Jan. 12, 1944 and they were happily married for 57 years until Norman’s death in 2001. Arlene and Norman spent their entire married life on the Mill Hill Road, Vassalboro, where together they raised their family.

Arlene was a member of the Riverside Congregational Church where she had taught Sunday School and was known for always wearing a hat to Sunday services. Arlene loved her flower gardens filled with lilies and peonies, and her hanging geraniums, and she enjoyed feeding the birds. In earlier years, Arlene enjoyed quilting and made many for family and friends. Arlene’s grandchildren will always remember the “full cookie jar”.

Arlene worked for the State of Maine for many years. Upon retirement, Arlene and Norman enjoyed many bus tours crisscrossing the U.S. traveling to all 50 states, including a cruise to Alaska. Arlene’s favorite saying was “if you’re not going to enjoy yourself then you should just stay home”. She loved animals especially her last two dogs, Odie and Cuddles. Arlene especially was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, neighbor, and friend. She loved travel and adventure.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Norman Fossett; daughter Colleen True; and all her siblings, Robert “Bob”, Myron, Philip, Alice, Phyllis, Madeline, Linda and Barbara.

She is survived by her son, Henry Fossett of Augusta, daughter, Melody Beaulieu (Roland) of Farmingdale; special son-in-law, Tim True of Chelsea, daughter-in-law, Marie Fossett of Augusta; seven grandchildren, Henry Fossett Jr. of Vassalboro, Dan Fossett (Sue) of Augusta, Jack Fossett (Stacy) of Litchfield, Emily True (Paul Wadley) of Phoenix, Will True of Chelsea, Joshua Harrison of Bangor, and Andrew Harrison (Amber) of Oconowomoc, Wis.; six great-grandchildren, Tanner, Kaden, Ryan, Maddie, Ty, and Malcolm; special niece, Jackie Gates; longtime friend, Victor Lister; and many other relatives and friends. She loved each and every one of them and will be deeply missed.

Special thanks to all the staff of the Comfort Care Unit at Glenridge for their care and support to both Arlene and her family for the past two years. You became her extended family especially after COVID when family visits were not feasible.

There will not be any public visiting hours. A burial will take place later in the spring at the family’s convenience.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers consider a gift in Arlene’s memory to the

Kennebec Valley Humane Society,

10 Pethaven Lane,

Augusta, ME 04330 or to

HealthReach Hospice,

P.O. Box 828,

Waterville ME 04903.

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