Arabelle Willette

Millinocket – Arabelle M. Willette, 84, died Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at a Bangor hospital. She was born October 28, 1931 in East Millinocket, the daughter of Alley and Frances (Chambers) Pelkey. Arabelle had a heart for others and animals. She worked for many years as a nurse’s aide, and was known around town for her patience and ability to nurse wounded birds and animals back to health, including two baby pigeons she raised from hatchlings and taught how to fly. She loved to play beano and card games, and would often laugh until she cried. Arabelle is survived by her husband of 48 years, Bernard “Barney” Willette of Millinocket; a son, Richard Burgess and wife Kimberly of Fort Myers, Florida; and two grandchildren, Philip Burgess of Tampa, Florida, and Richelle Burgess of Evansville, Indiana. In addition to her father, Arabelle was predeceased by her mother, Frances Rush in 1988, and a sister, Gladys Chambers in 2001. Graveside funeral services will be held 1 P.M. Monday, October 10 at the Millinocket Cemetery. Arrangements are by Lamson Funeral Home, Millinocket.