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Arline D. Fortier

August 20, 1945 ~ September 16, 2026

Born in: Sanford, Maine
Resided in: Springvale, Maine

Arline D. Fortier, 81, of Springvale, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Born in Sanford, Arline was a lifelong resident of the community she loved. She was a graduate of St. Ignatius High School. Arline enjoyed a successful career as a realtor, for decades, most notably with Town Square Realty Group. Through her work, she helped countless families find homes of their own and earned a reputation for her integrity. Arline’s commitment to Sanford/Springvale extended far beyond her career. She served on the Cancer Care Center Board and understood the importance of compassionate care and meaningful community support as she was a cancer survivor herself. Arline was also a Rotarian. Her work with Rotary’s scholarship committee was especially close to her heart, reflecting her deep belief in education and the opportunities it creates.

A woman of tremendous integrity and conviction, she believed deeply in fairness and justice, and remained actively engaged in civic and political life. She was never afraid to stand up for what she believed was right.

As an avid Gardner, Arline took great joy in her rose bushes and loved Lilly of the Valley. She entertained with grace and class. She set a beautiful table and considered every detail right down to the pickle fork and breadcrumb knife, believing these treasures were meant to be used rather than tucked away.

Above all else, Arline loved her family. She was always there to offer advice, whether it was solicited or not and never hesitated to tell you exactly what she thought. Her guidance gave her family the confidence to make their own choices and navigate life with strength. She took immense pride in watching her children and grandchildren grow, flourish, and find their own paths. She celebrated their accomplishments, cherished their milestones, and was involved in each of their lives.

She is predeceased by her parents Adrien and Rose Demers and her son in law, Richard Thayer.

Survivors include her husband of 46 years, Rodney Fortier of Springvale, her sister Anita LaFrance of Sanford, her brother Paul Demers and his wife Laurie of Springvale, and her four children, Ann Thayer of Sanford, Amy McEwen and her husband Shawn of Kennebunk, Jonathan Brackett and his wife Dawn of Sanford, Emily Fortier of Plantsville, CT, grandchildren: Trevor and Jennifer Thayer, Maggie, Abby, and William McEwen, Sydney and Mason Brackett, Lucas and Liam Tufts, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Those who would like to attend her celebration of life are invited to The Ridge Event Center (49 Shaw’s Ridge Road, Sanford) on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026, at 11:00am. A time of sharing will be led by Rev. Dr. Linwood Welch at 11:30am, followed by light refreshments.

Services

Celebration of Life: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 11:00 am

The Ridge
49 Shaw's Ridge Road
Sanford, Maine


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Guestbook

  1. From the Goodall Hospital family our sincere condolences to Arline’s family and friends.
    A personal note I loved our conversations when we got together.

  2. I have been blessed to know Arline since my childhood. We have shared so much fun, laughter, and community work together in Rotary and beyond. I will miss you my friend.

  3. Extending our heartfelt sympathy to Arline’s Family for their loss. A wonderful outgoing lady, always enjoyed our contacts with her.

  4. Mes plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille d’Arline. Elle était une véritable lumière dans ce monde et croyait profondément qu’il fallait traiter chaque personne avec le plus grand respect, la plus grande bienveillance et beaucoup d’amour. J’ai eu la grâce de la connaître au cours des quatre dernières années. Chaque fois que je la voyais, je me sentais tout de suite à l’aise. Avec elle, je me sentais toujours vu et écouté. Ses étreintes étaient sincères et venaient vraiment du cœur. Je la porterai dans la Lumière alors qu’elle entreprend son prochain voyage. Elle nous manquera profondément.

  5. Arlene I will never forget your laughter. I enjoyed your visits and encouragement. You made my heart smile. Rest in Peace. My condolences to your family and friends, you will be missed more than you know. ❤️🙏🏻

  6. Arline & I started nursing school in Boston together in 1968. I had a car & she & I drove back & forth to Sanford for weekends. Years later I learned that she was my first cousin & she had known that when we were together in nursing school. She kept that to herself until I told her I knew. From that day on I had a new respect for her as that was the right thing to do. I thanked her many years later.

  7. Arline, you played a huge part getting our dream home. Although you worked for the seller, you still made it happen for us. Countless home visits to make sure it was the right one for us. The day I realized that you were my besties Aunt will be etched in my memory forever. I will cherish our evenings out to dinner, time spent with you was always so much fun. Every time I drink prosecco, I will think of you. Rest in peace my friend. Condolences to all that loves her, especially Diane LaFrance Butter!

  8. Dear Rodney, Ann, Amy, Jonathan, Emily, & Family: I am so sorry for your loss. I had the opportunity to meet Arline only a handful of times, but she left a lasting impression because her strength–& her love for her children & family–was so clear. You all carry her light. Thinking of you with love & sympathy in the days ahead. — Jennifer Genest Burne & Family

  9. DEAR ANN, HUSBAND AND FAMILY,
    OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.
    ARLINE WAS A VERY NICE FRIEND TO US, WE WILL DEARLY MISS HER.
    OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL DURING THIS SAD TIME.

  10. I will miss you my friend. Your love of history is what brought us together! Thank you for taking me under your wing and help me learn about the community you so loved. Fair Winds Arline.

  11. Lovely Arline – Your contributions to our community and care for your fellow residents will leave a lasting legacy. May you rest peacefully knowing you served all as you were meant to. You are, and always will be, a blessed soul.

  12. Arline was a beautiful person and a REALTOR® for whom I had tremendous respect. Her kindness, integrity, and graciousness were evident throughout her many years in our industry and remained so until the very end.

    She made a lasting difference in the lives of countless families, her community, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Arline represented the very best of our profession—not simply through what she accomplished, but through the way she treated people.

    My sincere condolences go out to Rodney, her children, grandchildren, extended family, and many friends. Arline will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. May she rest in peace.

  13. Bill and I want to express our love and condolences to family and friends.

    We worked with Arline a few times and loved the dedication and vivacious attitude. We are so very sad to know she is passed. Blessings to all.

    Bill and Janet

  14. Arline, you faced your journey with a courage and strength that was truly remarkable. Even through the most difficult days, you showed a bravery that inspired everyone around you. You never let the tough days take away from the love you gave, the strength you shared and the light you brought to the lives of others. Rest in peace.

  15. Our deepest sympathy to Arlene’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time…

  16. My condolences to Rodney and all the family. Such a dedicated, hard working member of every part of her very big life. Her definition of realtor meant she helped in every aspect of her clients transition into the community as well as their homes. Such a good friend, such a good person.

  17. To Rodney, Arline’s children and grandchildren, brother Paul and Laurie, and Anita and your families.
    We are so sorry for your loss of dear Arline. Know that we are praying for her and for all of you that God will give you strength through this difficult time.
    Most sincere sympathies.

  18. Arline, Thank you for your friendship over the years. You were quite the “Lady.”
    My condolences to all her family.


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