KENNEBUNKPORT — Mary Handlen, who was active with Kennebunkport’s library and in the arts community, died on Jan. 11. She was 98.

Mrs. Handlen was married for 41 years to Frank Handlen, a well-known artist. He said they met through her sister, who was an artist and owned a gallery next to his art gallery.

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Mary Handlen, married for 41 years to renowned artist Frank Handlen, always “had a marvelous outlook on life.” Family photo

Mrs. Handlen, who was also an artist, was supportive of his art career. For many years she ran a gallery on the first floor of their apartment on Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport. She also helped her husband build a large bronze sculpture for the town green.

“She was extraordinarily cooperative with everything I did,” he said. “She was involved in everything. We had a very wonderful relationship. I often say we didn’t have an argument. On the other hand, I didn’t dare pick an argument with her.”

Mrs. Handlen was remembered by her family and friends as a compassionate, artistic and free-spirited woman who lived life to the fullest.

A few months after the Handlens got married, he decided to build a 40-foot topsail schooner, which they moored on the Kennebunk River. Mrs. Handlen helped her husband build the boat and made the sails for it. About four years later, the Handlens sailed to the Bahamas.

Jim Pierce, a close friend and investment advisor for the family, said Mrs. Handlen drove a car until she was well into her 90s, and was active in the community. He said that every so often, she climbed the long flight of stairs to visit him at his office.

“She was a real trouper and an absolutely beautiful woman,” Pierce said. “I really and truly loved that lady.”

Mrs. Handlen volunteered at Kennebunkport’s Graves Memorial Library for about seven years, helping to fix worn-out books that needed repair.

Kay Beote, who works at the library, said she was a skilled artist and did a thorough job.

“She always had a smile and a marvelous outlook on life,” Beote said. “She was a delightful woman. She was such a treasure. We’ll miss her so much.”

Linda Littell, who lived around the corner from Mrs. Handlen on Wharf Lane, said she was like a mother to her. Littell said Mrs. Handlen took care of her after her husband died 15 years ago.

“Frank and Mary just loved him,” she said. “After he died, I would go over there and Mary would feed me. She took care of me. She was a great friend and a great mother. She was definitely one of a kind.”

Mrs. Handlen’s health declined in the past few years. Her husband said they both knew she didn’t have long to live.

“It will be hard to get used to,” he said. “When you live with a person so intimately … with so many mementos around reminding you of what you lost — it’s not easy, I’ll tell you. I’ll miss everything about her. She was a wonderful presence.”

A funeral for Mrs. Handlen will be held in the spring.

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at: mcreamer@pressherald.com

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