Sandra E. (Staples) Bentley

Sandra E. Bentley, 83, lifelong resident of North Berwick, passed away September 20, 2023 at home with family by her side.

She was born April 25, 1940 in Sanford, ME, daughter of Frank and Mildred (Harries) Staples, graduating from North Berwick High School.  In 1962, she married the love of her life, David Bentley and raised their daughter, Susan on Lebanon Road. 

For over 30 years Sandra babysat all of the local kids all while tending to her vegetable and flower gardens and selling her harvest in her farmstand.  She also sold her crafts, homemade quilts and various items she sewed.

Sandra was known for her never-ending pool party extravaganza food fests at her home every weekend throughout the summer where everyone in the neighborhood was invited so they wouldn’t complain about the noise!   She hosted the annual family Christmas party where she rolled out the red carpet.  Sandra didn’t care about a feast, just sharing time with her family and a good steamed hot dog.

Sandra was stern but mostly quiet and a homebody, enjoying her home and all of her collections.  She enjoyed finding treasures at Another Chance Thrift Store.

Sandra and David were instrumental in raising thousands of dollars each year organizing the annual yard sale to benefit the North Berwick Rescue Squad.  Their fundraising efforts truly benefited our town immensely.

Sandra was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, David Bentley; brothers-in-law Terry Patstone, George Stevens and Dick Bentley and sister-in-law Sandra Weymouth.  She is survived by her daughter Susan Stacy and husband John of North Berwick; twin granddaughters, Gabriella Bentley-Sturchio of Iowa and Bianca Bentley Sturchio of Portland, ME; 2 sisters, Shirley Patstone of North Berwick, Evelyn Stevens and partner Paul Hopkins of Rochester, NH; sister-in-law Sibyl Bentley of Sanford; brothers-in-law, Daniel Bentley and wife Melody of Rochester, NH, Donald Bentley and partner Gil of Florida, Leslie Weymouth of North Berwick as well as numerous nieces and nephews and lifelong friend Nancy Patstone.

A celebration of Sandra’s life will be held Saturday, October 28 from 12-4 pm at Sandra’s home.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Johnson Funeral Home, North Berwick where memories and condolences may be shared at www.JohnsonFuneralHomeME.com

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