BENT, Pansy P. - of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine passed quietly Tuesday September 8, 2015 at Hibbard's Nursing Home surrounded by her loving husband and family. Pansy was born on April 18, 1927, in North Kingston, Nova Scotia. She was the only child of Olive Rachel Freeman, who loved her dearly and named her for a dainty colorful flower and a soft luminous jewel. In 1944 she met the love of her life, Alden David Bent, and was quickly accepted and loved by Alden's parents and 14 siblings who became her own family. Pansy and Alden were married June 23, 1945 and moved to The United States in 1946 where they lived and brought up their 3 children. Pansy had boundless energy and worked hard in their home and their business with Alden. They became owners of the local True Value Store (formerly the Western Auto) which they operated until the 1980's. Pansy learned rug hooking from her aunt Lottie, she became a great cook and crafter, and generously shared her gifts with family and friends. Her knit socks are keeping feet warm all over the US and Canada. Pansy and Alden were avid square dancers and campers. They made many good friends over the years, especially in Ft. Myers, Florida where they spent winters after they retired. They were long time members of the United Methodist Church in Dover-Foxcroft and considered many of the congregation their extended family. She loved her children and grandchildren and was proud of her family and always supported their endeavors. We were all saddened when she suffered a debilitating stroke in 2013 and was no longer the woman we knew. It had been a grueling two years for her but she was lovingly cared for by the staff at Hibbard Nursing Home in Dover-Foxcroft. Pansy is survived by her dear husband of 70 years, Alden, of Dover-Foxcroft; her daughter, Susan Solman of Rockport; her two sons, Brian and wife Julie Bent of Ellsworth; and Randy and wife Nan Bent of Dover-Foxcroft; Three granddaughters, Julie and husband Mike Rogers of Warren; Amanda Patterson and partner Ron Ball of Wellington; and Morgan Knights and partner Jeb Eastman of Lincoln; a grandson, Aaron and wife Jennifer Ayer, of Caribou; three great granddaughters, Lily Rogers, and Kyla and Delyla Knights; two great grandsons, Nicholas Rogers and Simon Ayer.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hibbard's Nursing Home for the love and compassion Pansy received while in their care. A celebration of Pansy's life will be held at a later time, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the United Methodist Church in Dover-Foxcroft or to Hibbard's Nursing Home.