VINALHAVEN — Carlene Winn Michael, 78, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2021, on Islesboro, after a life of happiness and generosity that will live on in the memory of the entire community.

Born in Augusta on August 1, 1942, she was the fourth child of Carl and Louise Winn. Carlene grew up in a busy household of six spirited children in Central Maine. Her young life was filled with a passion for fun and music. She graduated from Erskine Academy and was married shortly after to her husband, Jerrold “Jerry” Michael, in 1962. They were playful together and often put on quite a show with their “colorful” back-and-forth discussions. Their love was as real as the ocean is salty.

While Jerry was molding young minds across Maine, Carlene cared for her children at home while also working at the Bell Telephone company. She was a caring and loving person but had a serious side and a look in her eye that her family came to know well whenever they toed the line. Carlene and Jerry traveled as much as they could, and meeting new people became a quest for her; she would talk to a lamp post if she thought it was listening. As their children grew older, the couple discussed where they wanted to spend their future. They both were in love with a little island in Maine called Vinalhaven, where Jerry first worked as a teacher, and soon this beautiful place that captivated them years ago became the forever home of their entire family.

Around 1985 they purchased The Paper Store, cementing their place in the community and Carlene’s nickname as “The Paper Store Lady.” She quickly became an integral part of the island with her gregarious and friendly personality. Carlene became involved in many local organizations and causes, including the Vinalhaven Chamber of Commerce, Community Outreach, Meals on Wheels, The Wind, Partners in Island Education, the Mill Race Duck Race, Vinalhaven Eldercare Services, and many more.

After the passing of her husband in June 1996, Carlene continued their goodwill by starting the Jerry Michael Scholarship Fund, which helped support many graduates of Vinalhaven High School and other community members pursuing their dreams. She became a town selectman and continued to volunteer for every organization she could help on the island. As her family grew, she passed on these values to her children and grandchildren, who she brought to many fundraisers and taught how important it is to support your community.

Carlene was a patron of the arts and enjoyed the finer things in life. She made sure her family and friends always understood that it’s not about the quantity but the quality — a lesson she instilled in her grandchildren about service as they worked at The Paper Store. When they struggled to understand these values, she would quickly remind them that even though they were family, they could be fired…and all five grandchildren were fired (and rehired) often. Carlene always took the time to get to know her customers and ask about their lives. She made many connections and welcomed strangers in as if they were family. Need a ride to the boat? Carlene would take you. Want a tour of the island? Hop in her car and she would take you on an hour-long adventure touring the sites of the town she loved. A familiar face on Main Street, she would often leave The Paper Store to pick up lunch for whichever family member was working. Two hours later, after talking to every individual she ran into Downtown, she would return with some chicken salad, Hawaiian rolls, and crackers to snack on. After a long day of socializing around town, Carlene would enjoy “splitting a beer” with a friend or having a nice glass of wine on her porch overlooking Carver’s Harbor. After, she would embark on her near nightly stroll to The Haven with one of her many friends. Even on Sundays, a day of rest on the island, Carlene could be found playing a game of cards with the girls. The group continued to play for years, even when she was having trouble with counting and keeping track of things, always showing her love and patience.

Carlene’s family will never look at a sunset or sunrise the same, as she always took the time to stop and take in the beauty of the different shades of yellow, red, and orange. She saw the beauty in people the same way and really made a difference in the world, leaving a wake of love behind her and making everyone laugh and smile with fond memories to this day. She was a reliable support to her family, who will continue to pass on her lessons and act as a lasting memorial to her. They know she is now laughing with Jerry and remembering all the good times that she struggled to hold on to.

Carlene is predeceased by her husband, Jerry Michael; brother Walter Winn; and sisters Harriet Blaisdell and Virginia Freeman.

She is survived by sister Marlene Hooper and her husband, Karl; sister Joyce Winn; sister-in-law Judi Michael; son Kevin Michael and his wife, Maura; son Kyle Michael; daughter Karen Doughty and her husband, Kyle; and grandchildren Shannon Michael, Olivia and Nick Michael, and Jennie and Bethany Candage.

A celebration of life will be announced in August. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boardman Cottage P.O. Box 1135. Islesboro, ME 04848. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.