ROCKLAND — Carolyn A. Pendleton, 89, died peacefully, surrounded by her children, following a lengthy battle with cancer, March 12, 2013, at her home.

Born in West Rockport June 4, 1923, she was the daughter of Elberton and Margaret Rapelye Andrews. She was a 1941 graduate of Rockport High School. Following high school Carolyn attended business school, studying bookkeeping.

She was a bookkeeper at Snow's Shipyard during World War II, then taught business classes at Islesboro High School. While on the island, Carolyn met Leland Pendleton, a Dark Harbor sailor on leave. They were married in West Rockport in 1946.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Pendleton was employed as a bookkeeper with several local businesses, including the business office at Senter Cranes, where she was well known and a smiling face for all of the customers. She also worked as a bookkeeper for the former Carpenter Funeral Home when it was located on Broadway.

Never one to be idle, Carolyn had many hobbies in her life. She joined the Shakespeare Society in 1957 and was active until recently. She was also a member of the Ladies Guild at Rockland Congregational Church, a Girl Scout and Cub Scout Leader, a member of Rockport Cooperative Extension, she volunteered at the AIO Food Pantry and enjoyed doing arts and crafts.

Most notably, Carolyn was a self-taught backyard astronomer. She began her hobby after rescuing her brother's astronomy book from a house cleaning effort more than 50 years ago. She has been quoted in several newspaper articles as saying "once I learned where North was, I didn't have any problem reading those star charts." Carolyn purchased the telescope she was still using until recently, over 32 years ago ,at the urging of her then 16-year-old son. Over the years she has given presentations for Rockland senior citizens, and presented a 'Backyard Astronomy' series at Merryspring Nature Park. In articles written about her, Carolyn stated how happy she was that astronomy influenced her family, with a son earning a degree in astronomy and daughter-in-law who is a solar physicist.

Carolyn and her husband enjoyed being the sponsors of the winning design of the Maine state quarter by Colorado artist Daniel Carr. Her daughter said she was good at whatever she set out to do.

Predeceased by her husband and three brothers, Sidney (Roberta), Arthur "Mike" (Bena) and Walter "Bim" Andrews; Mrs. Pendleton is survived by her children, Dianne Poore and her husband, Garry, of Colorado Springs, Colo., Faith Walsh and her husband, James, of Exeter, N.H., and James Pendleton and his wife, Dawn Lenz, of Erie, Colo.; three grandchildren, Shawn Bean, Andrew Walsh and Kevin Walsh; as well as several nieces.

The family would like to thank Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice for the wonderful care she received, especially from Gretchen and Betsy who helped immensely during her last days.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, July 25, at 1 p.m. at West Rockport Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either, AIO Food Pantry, P.O. Box 113, Rockland, ME 04841 or Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841, or a charity of one's choice.

To share a memory or condolence with Carolyn's family, visit her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.