**Bridget D. Scontras**

SACO — Bridget D. Scontras, a gentle soul, passed to the glory of God with her beloved family at her bedside on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 2:42 p.m., after a valiant fight with Parkinson’s disease and its complications.

Bridget was born on May 28, 1949, in Biddeford to Raymond R. and Margaret (Morin) Dupuis as their second daughter. She lived her entire unmarried life in her parents’ apartment building at 23 Storer St. in Saco.

She attended Notre Dame School and graduated with honors. Her secondary education was at Thornton Academy, where she excelled academically. While at Thornton, Bridget was actively involved in numerous activities, including the Student Council, Glee Club, the school newspaper staff (“Marooner”), Latin Club, Math Club, Girls Athletic Association, Science Club, National Honor Society, and served as Secretary and later Treasurer of her class.

A memorable moment in her youth was on a Saturday evening in November 1964. While attending a school dance in the Linnell Gym as a sophomore, Peter Scontras, a Thornton senior, asked a female friend to see if Bridget would dance with him. Bridget consented, and thus began a remarkable 61-year romance. Their first date was on December 11, 1964, after Peter also invited her to the Christmas Ball.

After Peter graduated in 1965, their correspondence continued daily through notes exchanged via his brother Teddy, who was also in Bridget’s classes. Peter purchased his mother’s 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air to commute to the University of Maine in Portland and to attend social functions with Bridget at Thornton and UMP.

Bridget graduated as Valedictorian of the Thornton Academy Class of 1967. She received the Rensselaer Medal for distinction in math and science and was awarded a generous scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. However, she chose to attend the University of Maine in Orono as a chemistry major and math minor, influenced by her parents and Peter’s transfer there. Fatefully, they were assigned dorms in the same quad, which strengthened their bond.

Bridget maintained Dean’s List status throughout all four years at UMaine. In 1969, Peter proposed, and Bridget consented once again. Being Catholic and Greek Orthodox, they discussed their plans with Father Philip Tracy of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Saco and Father Nicholas Liberis of St. Demetrios in Biddeford.

Their wedding was held on a blistering hot July Sunday—July 26, 1970—at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Biddeford. Breaking tradition, Father Liberis performed the service in English instead of Greek, with Father Tracy attending and giving a blessing.

With one more year of studies to complete, the couple moved to Bangor, where Bridget attended classes at UMaine while Peter taught at Unity Junior High and Mt. View Junior High in Thorndike, 45 miles away. After Bridget graduated in 1971, they moved back to Saco.

Their daughter, Carol-Anastasia, was born almost exactly one year to the minute after their wedding ceremony, before the altar at St. Demetrios. They joked that this was an example of “planned parenthood.” They enjoyed a piece of their wedding cake with Bridget while she rested in Webber Hospital.

Peter took a teaching position at Somersworth High School in New Hampshire, teaching English and coaching outdoor track. In October 1971, after his father had a third heart attack, Peter left teaching to help with the family’s homebuilding business. The family purchased 15 acres off Buxton Road, where Peter built their first home.

Their son, Nicholas P. Scontras II, was born on August 7, 1973. Bridget embraced country life, cultivating vegetables and flowers, nurturing a lifelong passion for gardening.

Following the Arab oil embargo in 1974, which affected the family business, Peter began working at Saco Middle School, close to home. Leveraging Bridget’s connections to her family’s farm, they bred sheep and sold lambs for the Easter market.

In 1981, Bridget pursued her own teaching career, obtaining certification and teaching chemistry at Massabesic High School in Waterboro. After six years, she transitioned to Wells High School, teaching chemistry and some physics. She retired in 2013 after 26 years of dedicated service.

At Wells, Bridget also coached the Academic Decathlon team for several years. Her former students have lauded her on social media, reflecting not only her effectiveness as a teacher but also as a compassionate and dedicated mentor. Known for her humor and wit, Bridget inspired many and nurtured her students as she did her own children.

In 1984, the family relocated to 6 Westward Lane in Saco to allow their children to walk to school, just as Bridget and Peter had done. They lived there together for 41 years. Bridget was a supportive parent and loyal Thornton Academy alumna, often cheering on Nicky at high school events and Special Olympics competitions. She was a constant source of guidance and support for Carol-Anastasia, who excelled academically at the University of Southern Maine and later attended Suffolk Law School.

After retiring, Peter reopened the popular Way Way Store in Saco. Bridget joined him full-time two years later. Together, they modernized the business despite economic challenges following the 2008 Great Recession. Bridget’s warmth, patience, and humor resonated with customers, leading to increased patronage and recognition in local and national media, including an appearance on Jane Pauley’s award-winning CBS Sunday Morning.

Unfortunately, Bridget’s appearances at the store became limited in the past year due to Parkinson’s disease, which sapped her energy and compromised her balance, resulting in severe falls that fractured her back. The most serious fall occurred on their 55th wedding anniversary, forcing Bridget to wear a restrictive brace until her passing.

Despite her illness, Bridget remained devoted to her family. As her children’s needs grew, she sacrificed personal ambitions and social activities to care for them. An insatiable reader, she spent what little time she had immersed in mystery novels.

Her unconditional love and dedication were evident to all who knew her. Bridget provided constant care, support, and nurturing—often foregoing sleep and personal time—always putting her family first. Though her physical health declined, she faced the challenge with the same determination, researching ways to manage her disease.

In the final months, Bridget battled the limitations imposed by Parkinson’s, relying on a walker, cane, and eventually a wheelchair. Last October, Peter insisted she experience the Fryeburg Fair again, and despite initial reluctance, Bridget enjoyed the outing, displaying her enduring spirit.

Her family surrounded her with love and care until she peacefully passed. Peter lost his soulmate, and her children their best friend and steadfast mother.

Bridget was predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Margaret Dupuis; paternal grandparents Eugene and Rose Dupuis; maternal grandparents Joseph and Leonide Morin; and brother-in-law Stephen Rice.

She is survived by her husband, Peter; daughter Carol-Anna; son Nicholas “Nicky”; sisters Susan Rice and Lynn-Marie Plouffe and their families; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in the United States and Canada.

**Visiting Hours:**
Monday, November 3, 4 to 7 p.m.
Trisagion Prayer Service at 5 p.m.
Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James St., Saco

**Funeral Service:**
Tuesday, November 4, 11 a.m.
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Saco

**Burial:**
St. Demetrios Cemetery, Biddeford

A reception with light refreshments will follow at St. Demetrios Church Hall.

To view Bridget’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit [link].

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**In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to support Parkinson’s disease research.** Recent studies have identified a genetic marker that predisposes individuals to Parkinson’s, underscoring the importance of continued efforts to find a cure. Donations to any legitimate research organizations dedicated to this cause are deeply appreciated by Peter, Carol-Ann, and Nicky.
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