Obituary of Virginia Bradstreet

Virginia Rowe Bradstreet Albion--Virginia (Giny) Rowe Bradstreet, 92, of Albion, passed away at her home with family by her side on January 8, 2014 after a recent diagnosis of cancer. Virginia was born February 17, 1921 to Charles and Annie Alexander Rowe of Albion. She graduated from Besse High School in Albion, class of 1938 and Sister’s Hospital School of Nursing in Waterville in 1941. On December 31, 1941, Virginia married Donald Seth Bradstreet who she was married to for 59 years until his death in 2001. Virginia had an active career as an RN, having worked at Seton and Thayer Hospitals in Waterville as well as hospitals in Farmington and Florida. She spent her later years as a nurse working locally in both Public Health Nursing and as a School Nurse. In 1945, Virginia was the first RN at the Pine Tree Camp in Rome. Virginia and her husband Don were co-owners of Bradstreet’s Market in Albion. Active in her community, Virginia was a member of the Albion Grange from the age of 14 and became a lifetime member of the Benton Grange. She was a past member of the Rebekahs and Eastern Star. Virginia was a past president of the Albion PTA, Fairfax Club and Albion Senior Citizens, as well as a Cub Scout leader. Virginia and Don hosted many friend and family gatherings at their summer cottage on China Lake. When recently asked where she felt the greatest peace in her busy life, she immediately responded with, “on the terrace at the China Lake cottage. It was my Utopia.” Virginia was pre-deceased by her husband Donald and son Brian Bradstreet. She was also pre-deceased by her 5 brothers and sisters, Stephen Rowe and wife Havilla, Edward Rowe, Meta Fowler and husband Edgar, Priscilla Drake and husband Freeland and Avonne Clark and husband Fred, brothers and sisters-in-laws, Clair and Freda Bradstreet, Fred and Avis Bradstreet, Cecil and Faye Bradstreet, Alberta and Neil Macklin, Gwen and Earle Purinton, Win and Walter Worthing, Clora and Roy Perkins, Lucille and Mitchel Sawlivich, Ethelyn and Ted Russell and several nieces and nephews. She is survived by 2 daughters, Peg Bradstreet of South Portland and Jane Hamilton and husband, Sonny of Albion, 5 grandsons and 5 great grandchildren, Josh Bradstreet of Royal Oak, Michigan, Matt Hamilton, wife Amy and children, Maxwell, Hannah and Jackson of Brunswick, Mark Hamilton and daughter Samantha of Albion, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Seth Bradstreet, wife Ashley and son Brayden of Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas and Ryan Bradstreet of Albion, her sister-in law, Virginia Hutchins and husband Dr. Deane Hutchins of Camden, her brother-in law Seth Bradstreet II and wife Betty Bradstreet of Dexter, as well as many nieces and nephews. At Giny’s request, there will be no visiting hours. A graveside service will be held in the spring. In the 4 months since her diagnosis, Giny has had the opportunity to visit with many of her friends and family members. “I feel like they have honored me and shared many stories and memories while I was still able to hear and enjoy those stories myself.” Special thanks to Dr. Amanda Ruxton of Lovejoy Health Center and MaineGeneral Homecare and Hospice, especially Jan and Jesse. Arrangements are by Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. Donations in Virginia’s memory may be made to Albion Fire-Rescue, 22 Main St. Albion, Maine 04910.