Albert John Qualey

    Qualey, Albert J., 88, June 11, 2012.  Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home.  Interment to be held in the St. Benedict’s Cemetery, Benedicta.
    BENEDICTA – Albert John Qualey, 88, passed away June 11, 2012. He was born Aug. 20, 1923, to Lewis and Flora (MacDonald) Qualey.
    He was a lifelong resident of Benedicta. Al grew up in a family of nine and was a parishioner of St. Benedict’s Parish. He married Rowena Humphrey, whom he called “Coke,” Jan. 3, 1949. In his youth he spent two seasons in Florida and on one trip helped paint the Orange Bowl, but his life’s work was in Benedicta. While he had been a potato farmer, truck driver and papermaker, Al’s favorite job was as caretaker of the family’s farm and memories. Having lived on the Pond Road for nearly 89 years, Al loved being a Qualey from Benedicta. He shared the things he loved with his family and friends: pie from apples in the orchard next to the house, pictures of earlier generations and a roaring fire in the wash room.
    He will be greatly missed by his wife of 63 years, Rowena (Humphrey) Qualey; his children and daughters-in-law, Alec and Mona Qualey of Benedicta, Patrick and Lynn Qualey of Rochester, N.H., and Dorothy (Qualey) Brooks of Island Falls; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Erickson of Lebanon, Joshua Qualey of Benedicta, Benjamin Qualey of Lisbon, Caleb Qualey of Portland, Lucas Qualey of Bangor, Martin Qualey of Sherman, Adam Qualey of Millinocket, Michael Qualey of Houlton and Dustin Brooks of Portland; his great-granddaughters, Abby, Sidney, Olivia, Grace and Josie; and sisters, Christina Heskett of Portland and Bernadette Hunt of California and Oregon. He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved son, Michael Qualey; his baby daughter, Janet; and six siblings, Marion Savard, Gertrude Conant, Teresa Hansen, Sister Mary Luanus “Agnes” Qualey, Louis Qualey and Rita Qualey.
    Friends called 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, and 9-11 a.m. Thursday at St. Benedict’s Church, Benedicta, where a mass of Christian burial was celebrated 11 a.m. with Father Joel Cyr, celebrant. Interment will be at St. Benedict’s Cemetery. For an online memory book and to leave condolences, please visit www.bowers funeral.com.