In Memory of

Pauline

Ruth

Astbury

(Gray)

Obituary for Pauline Ruth Astbury (Gray)

Sedgwick -- Pauline Ruth Gray Astbury, 89, was born August 5, 1928 in Penobscot, Maine to Mabel Hutchins Gray and Harold Gray. Sadly, she passed away November 7, 2017 at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

Pauline attended Penobscot schools graduating from Clark High School in 1945. Upon graduation, she worked at Seaboard Paper Co. in Bucksport as a clerk in the drafting room. During high school she joined Castine Grange #250, and remained a member for 75 years.

She married Arthur (Artie) Astbury Jr. , the love of her life, May 8, 1946 and they began a journey together that lasted over 60 years until his death in 2009. Together they raised three active boys, following each boy’s achievements with pride and love.

As her family grew, Pauline held various jobs that included working at the fish factory in Stonington, helping with the blueberry harvest for a number of summers, and making Christmas wreaths. When her boys were older, she became a CNA and eventually Central Supply Technician at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital working there for over 35 years until retiring when it was time to care for Artie who was having health issues.

Pauline and Artie enjoyed attending the harness racing at Bass Park in Bangor and following the fair circuit. For many years, they attended the Fryeburg Fair for several days each fall. One could often find them at a Beano game in Ellsworth, but maybe the most fun they had was during those competitive card games like “83” and High-Low Jack around the kitchen table with family members.

She found great joy in preparing meals for loved ones from hunters’ breakfasts in her kitchen every November, huge canners of scallop chowder on Christmas Eve, wonderful apple pies and strawberry shortcake, and turkey dinners with overflowing dishes of mashed potatoes.

Pauline was predeceased by her parents, husband Artie, brother Philip Gray, sons Carroll and Barry and great granddaughter Siena Bebout.

Survivors include son Randy Astbury, Blue Hill, daughter-in-law Leslie Astbury, Hampden, five grandchildren, Will Astbury and wife Kristin of Warwick, NY, Ben Astbury, and wife Amanda of Sedgwick, Annie Grindal and husband Tim of Blue Hill, Nichole Bebout and husband Shannon of Blue Hill and Laine Astbury and fiance’ Darrell Godin of Portland, Maine. She also leaves 14 precious great-grandchildren. There are other surviving family members and friends she held close to her heart that are too numerous to mention.

A service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 18, 2017 at the Penobscot United Methodist Church. A luncheon will follow the service in the vestry. A private burial will be at Camp Stream Cemetery in West Sedgwick later in the afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Penobscot United Methodist Church, 14 Southern Bay Rd., Penobscot, Maine 04476.

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 49 Main Street, Blue Hill.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.