WATERVILLE – Bernice “Bunny” Arminter Harrington, age 78, a lifelong resident of Waterville, died in the evening of August 13, 2014, at Lakewood Continuing Care Center in the presence of her family. Bunny was an awesome mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a lover of God, a prayer warrior, a leader, a mentor, a true woman of unconditional love.
Bunny was born March 15, 1936, the daughter of Verne and Lucille Harlow.
She graduated from Waterville High School – cum laude – in 1953 and from Maine Medical School of Nursing in 1956. She was initially employed in 1956 by Dr. Valentine Moore as a Nurse Anesthetist at Thayer Hospital. She continued her career with Waterville Anesthesia Associates, earned her C.R.N.A. title through the Mid Maine Medical Center School of Nurse Anesthesia and later became Head Nurse Anesthetist. Bunny served 35 years in anesthesia at Thayer Hospital till her retirement in 1991.
Bunny was a lifetime member of Getchell Street Baptist Church where she served on many committees, taught Sunday School, and served as a member of the Diaconate Board and Board of Trustees.
Bunny was married to Kenneth Harrington for 44 years till his death in 2000. They raised four children. Bunny and Ken were travelers together – their very first trip to Caracas, Venezuela, and many adventures followed, including Germany, Hawaii, and a memorable cross country USA car trip. They built their own camp on Long Pond in Belgrade Lakes and helped to create memories for four generations. They were football fanatics as season ticket holders for the New England Patriots home games. Bunny attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans in January 1997, a highlight of her football fan years. Bunny was an avid gardener, a lover of long-polished-sculptured fingernails, loved the color purple, was an avid book reader and classic movies watcher.
Bunny is survived by her sister, Margaret Jabar; sisters-in-law Marge Harrington and Connie Turlo. Bunny’s children: Verna Pierre, Dale and Carol Harrington, Bruce and Cathy Harrington, Jill Harrington and fiance Mark Culleton; her grandchildren: Christine Harrington, Michelle and Greg Jones, Bruce and Amy Harrington, Chet and Robin Harrington, Chris and Karen Harrington, Hans Pierre Jr and fiance Jennifer Harper, and Célie Pierre; and her 12 great grandchildren: Ethan, Ashton, Adalia, Isabelle, Ezra, Abigail Bernice, Anaya, Clareese, Avaya, Matthew, Honor, and Andrew; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Bunny’s family sincerely appreciate the many women and men who cared for her while she lived at the Sunset Home, Woodlands Senior Living, and the Lakewood Continuing Care Center.
As a medical professional, Bunny was profoundly grateful for the care she received in the details of daily living, keeping her comfortable these past few years. Thank you to each and every one who provided excellent attention and affection to a commanding and loving woman as Bunny was.
A celebration of Bunny’s life will be held at the Getchell Street Baptist Church in Waterville on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 10:00am. Bunny was a woman of vivid colors and requested to invite all who come to celebrate to WEAR PURPLE on that day.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent for the programs serving the Waterville community at Getchell Street Baptist Church.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.
Sorry for your Christine.
Bunny was the first nurse I knew. As a little girl, we had to be quiet around camp, because Bunny had been “on-call” and up during the night. She helped define my own career path, one that’s encompassed 29 years of nursing. Peace be with her and family.
So sorry for you loss!