Arlene M. Tamoosh died on July 16, 2021 in Durham, Maine

(The following was published by The dignitymemorial.com)

Arlene Tamoosh

Arlene M. Tamoosh, 94, passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2021. She was born in Falmouth, Maine on October 28, 1926, the daughter of the late Mark S. Leighton and Corinnabelle (Hicks). Arlene attended school in Durham, Harpswell, and Brunswick. She lived in Maine most of her life. Arlene was always interested in helping others and her community. During WWII, Arlene worked at Brunswick Naval Air Station and was a welder at Bath Iron Works. She also worked at Bowdoin College. Arlene became a registered LPN in 1962 in Boston when she lived in Dorchester, MA with her husband Tony. She worked at the VA Hospital, Mass. General Hospital, Shriner’s Burn Institute, and Boston Evening Clinic, and was also trained in disaster nursing. In 1976, Arlene established the Anthony Tamoosh Memorial Scholarship Award in honor of her husband who taught school in Avon. She often traveled to present the award. They were married for 20+ years. When she returned to Maine, she worked at Pineland Training Center for a time. She served as a board member of the LPN of Mass., Inc. and treasurer for 12 years, secretary of the East Durham Cemetery Association, and chairman of the Durham Republican Town Committee. Arlene was also a member of the Salvation Army Nurses’ Fellowship, NRA, Mystic Valley Railway Society, American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Durham Historic Society. In 1986, Arlene ran for political office for the House District 70 race as she was passionate about her community and country. She could also be found working at the polls dressed in red, white, and blue or enjoying a parade with her grandchildren. Arlene loved to travel and had no problem packing up her camper to head out on her next adventure. She spent vacations in Florida, Myrtle beach with her family, and enjoyed the many state and national parks. She married Valmore Piirainen in 1982 and they enjoyed 28 years together. Arlene is a collective recipient of the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal for her work as a welder at BIW during WWII. Arlene is survived by her daughter-in-law Helen Baker, granddaughters Brenda Baker, Laura Gregg, Melissa Richter, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents; her husband Anthony Tamoosh (1976) and husband Valmore Piirainen (2010); her son, Gerald Baker; one brother, Donald Leighton; three sisters, Merlyn Beggs, Betty Balestrieri, and Jeanette Johnson.