Betty Bradstreet Obituary

DEXTER- With heavy hearts and tremendous gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved Mum and Nana, Betty Bradstreet. Born in Albion on June 5, 1933, she passed peacefully and gracefully as she lived on January 25, 2026, on Lake Wassookeag in Dexter. She graced our world with beauty, strength and dignity. She offered her wisdom and loving support during the highest of highs as well as the lowest of lows. A graduate of Besse High, she married her high school sweetheart, Seth Bradstreet Jr in 1953. They began their potato farming life on the Ridge Road in Newport and raised their four children there. Summers were spent at their cottage in Dexter, where Betty thrived along with her dazzling perennial gardens, and her children were able to experience idyllic Maine summer months on the lake.

Betty was an avid traveler and lifelong learner. She and Seth participated in the Farmer-to-Farmer Program through USAID. Side by side they worked with other farmers in Egypt, returning to advise on the projects they hoped would lead to progress. In return, they hosted Egyptian farmers here in Maine. World travelers with dear friends, ports of call included Russia, China, Italy, England, Scotland, France, the Panama Canal, and more. Experiencing how the entire world lives fascinated Betty and she learned from each itinerary.

As much as they loved Maine, Betty and Seth loved being snowbirds, spending the winter months in their townhome on Key Biscayne. Betty learned to converse with her neighbors and friends in Spanish and was known to serve Cuban coffee on her patio for drop in guests. An avid basketball fan, Betty and Seth were UMiami season ticket holders for both men’s and women’s teams. (Go ‘Canes!) Most recently she was proud to cheer for her great-granddaughter Abbie on the high school courts.

She loved life, her family, and her friends with passion. She bestowed upon us the artwork of her own heart and hands with breath-taking paintings, warm colorful mittens, hats and scarves, “Nana jams”, and pies. She and Seth hosted the Bradstreet Family Reunion annually for over 30 years.

She is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Seth; 4 children: Dawn Arbo and husband Michael, Julie Dow and husband Kenneth, Seth “Brad” Bradstreet III and wife Debra, and Lisa Udelson and husband Keith; 7 grandchildren: Elijah Arbo and wife Brittney, Corey Dow and wife Branagon, Gavin Dow and wife Jennifer, Seth Bradstreet IV and former wife, Hillary, Sarah Busque and husband Michael, Spencer Udelson and wife Whitney, and Dr. Griffin Udelson and husband Dr. Andrew Rosenstein; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Terry Blake; special niece, Edrie Blake; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother, Verna Perkins Blake; her father, Daniel Blake; and two brothers: David Blake and Daniel Blake and his wife Esther.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Lisa, who lovingly took care of her mum this last year, making it possible for her to remain in her home that she cherished.

A private gathering will be held by the family at a later date.

Her love, legacy, and impact on those around us should be remembered first and foremost. She truly believed our community of folks have more in common than they do differences, that we should be kinder to one another and lend a hand to those who need, no matter the circumstances.

In lieu of flowers, please try to reach out to someone who might need a friend in Betty’s name.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit www.shoreynichols.com.

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