BENT, Doris Marion-98 of Middleton, passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2012 in Mountain Lea Lodge, Bridgetown. Born in Forest Glade, Annapolis County, on July 30, 1914, she was a daughter of the late Parker and Lily (Schofield) Bent. Doris was a graduate of Mack Business College. In early years she was employed with the Department of Transportation in Middleton and was a strong supporter to her husband in their business at Andrews Dept. Store. She was a long time member of St. John’s United Church, Middleton and a life member of its UCW, as well as a conscientious choir member. She was a faithful member of the Rosemary Chapter of the I.O.D.E., received her life membership in 1995 and her 50 year pin in 2008. Throughout the years, she held various offices in this organization including Regent. She was a charter and active member of the Middleton Ladies Curling Club which was formed in 1947 and served as its first president, curling both locally and provincially. She was a member of the Annapolis Valley Historic Society, charter member of the Annapolis Valley African Violet Society, an avid Bridge player and a world traveller. Doris lived in Philadelphia and Loveladies with her second husband and spent 20 winters in her Fort Myers, Florida home. She became known as the matriarch of the extended Bent clan, making everyone welcome in her home. She is survived by sisters, Kath (John) Osbourne, Waterville, Maine; Marion Lundgren (H. D. Wagener), Portland, Maine; Phyllis Bent and Muriel Bent, both of Middleton; brothers, Alden (Pansy) Bent, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine; Forrest Bent, Wolfville and Gerald (Ruth) Bent, Margaretville; sisters-in-law, Donna Bent, Clarence, Kathleen Bishop, Dartmouth, and Louise Mailman,Kentville; brother-in-law, Denis MacDowell, West Virginia, many nieces and nephews; stepdaughters, Cathy (Bill) Sutton and Ruth O’Hara, both of Loveladies, New Jersey; stepsons, Robert (AnnaMarie) Bent of Philadelphia, PA; John (Paulette) Bent, of Dallas, PA; and eight step grandchildren. She was predeceased by her first husband, Frank H. Mailman; second husband, Robert D. Bent; sisters, Enid (Roy) Baker; Evelyn MacDowell; Jean (Ray) Morgan and Anna (Harold) Skaling; brothers, Murray (Bertilla); Roy and George; sister - in-law, Jane Bent, brother-in-law Walter Mailman and stepson-in-law, Jimmy O’Hara. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held 7:00 to 9:00 PM Friday, August 17, 2012 in the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street (902) 825-3448. A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, August 18, 2012 in St. John’s United Church, Middleton with Rev. Karen Ralph officiating. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middleton. By request, family flowers only. Donations in memory may be made to St. John’s United Church or charity of choice. Doris’ family would like to thank the staff of Mountain Lea Lodge for their excellent care over the past year. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com