FARMINGTON – Arline LaPlant, 95, of East Dixfield, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Living Center where she had resided the past six months.
She was born on May 11, 1928, a daughter of Ralph C. and Orrissa (Rollins) Hall where she was raised on the Hall Farms and was proud of her last name. She graduated from Wilton Academy and in 1949 went on to meet and marry Clayton C. LaPlant. They made their home in East Dixfield and she was never far from it; she loved home.
Known for the strawberries she grew and sold; Arline loved gardening. She enjoyed her time packing apples at Rand Orchards and working at Wells Canning Factory in Wilton. When she wasn’t out in the garden, she and Clayton enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, and camping; the stories she could tell! She was an avid reader and loved to knit and work on puzzles. Though she found joy in many hobbies her true loves were her son, grandson, and two great grandsons.
For 10 years Arline was the Children’s Librarian for the Wilton Library. She resigned to help with her grandson, Craig’s care while his parents worked. A job she loved!
The pair used to wake up early after her husband’s retirement to meet their friends at Burger King at 6 am. This is where they got their breakfast and “laughs for the day”. They truly enjoyed those days. As the couple’s health began to decline Arline and her husband moved into their son and “daughters” home. They resided there together until Clayton’s passing in 2015 and her recent failing health.
Arline had a long life full of many adventures. How blessed we were to have had her for 95 years.
She is survived by her only son, Thomas and wife Vicki Rafter LaPlant; her grandson, Craig and wife Hilary Sturdivant LaPlant; two very loved great grandsons, Ryker and Easton. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Marie LaPlant and many very special nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Clayton C. LaPlant; brother, Charles Hall and his wife, Elaine; sisters, Marjory Bryant and her husband, Malcolm and Pauline “Polly” Phinney and husband, Everett.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Living Center and Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice for the love and care that she received during her time there. The family suggests that those who desire consider memorial gifts be made in her memory to Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240 or to the East Dixfield Baptist Church, c/o Calvin Smith, East Dixfield, ME 04227.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Arline’s life by attending a memorial service at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, on Sunday, October 29th from 11am to 12pm followed by a reception. Memories may be shared in her Book of Memories at www.wilesrc.com. Honored to be caring for the family of Arline (Hall) LaPlant is Wiles Remembrance Center of Farmington. Private family interment will be at the East Dixfield Cemetery.
Sending sympathy and prayers to all of Arline’s family and friends. She is in a better place now. Hold onto all of your memories from over the years. They will help you through the days ahead.
She was such a kind and lady. I always looked forward to going for a ride when we came to Maine to go see Uncle Claytie and Aunt Arline. She always had a smile and he always had a joke. She will be missed.
Vicki & Tom, I was so sorry to hear of Arlene’s passing. She was one special lady with a heart of gold. I often thought of her with a smile. May she rest in peace. Hugs to you and your family.
Rachel Marble
Sorry for your loss Tom and Vicki