West Gardiner- Delene L. Jarvi, 80, of West Gardiner, passed away on September 5, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  

Born on June 15, 1944, in Salamanca, New York, Delene was the daughter of Harry and Violet Clark. She graduated from Gowanda Central School in 1965. After graduating, she worked as a nurse's aide at Tri-Country Memorial Hospital in Gowanda, NY. While visiting her aunt in Pittsburgh, PA, she met her husband, Carl. They married on September 13, 1969, and began their life together in West Mansfield, MA, where they welcomed two children, Nancy and Jason.  

In 1974, they settled in Maine, where she affectionately became known as "Mama Dee" as she cared for children in her home. In 1991 they decided to move out west to Lakeside, CA, just east of San Diego. There, she spent countless hours as a volunteer in the San Diego County Park system, a passion that led her to beautify the park with her meticulous gardening. Her efforts were so appreciated that a visitor once suggested renaming the park to 'Lake Geranium' and most said it was the prettiest park they had ever been to.  

After a decade in California, they returned to Maine, where she continued to be a pillar of strength and support for her growing family. She became a 'Mamie' in 1999 and was a proud grandmother to Kyle, Ryan and Mckenna Johnson and Emma and Ayla Jarvi. Her grandchildren cherished her unwavering support and affection, and she quickly became known as everyone's "Mamie."  

Delene was tiny but mighty—a true powerhouse of love and resilience. Born prematurely at just 2 lbs., she spent the first part of her life in the hospital. She overcame breast cancer in 2001 and enjoyed 24 years of remission. Throughout her life, she demonstrated remarkable strength. 

She could always be found in her happy place, working around their home on Cobbossee Stream, tending to her gardens, or along the camp line. Delene was a member of the Eastern Star in North Attleboro, MA; the Chelsea and Cobbossee granges; and TOPS of Gardiner. She met friends easily and enjoyed the groups she belonged to. She also had a deep love for conversations, lighthouses, lobster, Brenda Lee and Elvis Presley, and her beloved shelties and dachshunds.  We will lovingly carry on her traditions of "Rockin' Around the Christmas tree" by Brenda Lee, "gag gifts", holiday tablecloths, and her" beaver stick." 

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband's mother, Hope Fanning, and her husband, Robert Fanning. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 55 years, Carl; daughter, Nancy and her children and their father, Mike Johnson; son, Jason and his wife Dianna and their children. She is also survived by many loving cousins and friends.  

There will be a celebration of life on September 29, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Gardiner Elks Club. The family also invites anyone who wishes to a graveside service at 3:30 p.m. at the Fairbanks Cemetery on Spears Corner Road in West Gardiner.  

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in her honor to Alfond Cancer Center or Kennebec Humane Society in Augusta, ME. 

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond, ME  04357