Leslie Bent Carlmark

Leslie Bent Carlmark, age 86, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026 in Hilton Head Island, SC, surrounded by love. Her final holidays and months were spent with family—a fitting reflection of the warmth, closeness, and joy she cherished throughout her life.

Born on August 9, 1939, in Weymouth, Massachusetts, Leslie was the daughter of the late William Eddy Bent and Lucille (Morse) Bent. She was predeceased by her husband, Theodore Richard Carlmark (Ted), in 1992; her special friend, George Vrooman, in 2014; and her brother, Eliot W. Bent, in 2025.

Leslie grew up in Milton, MA, and spent many summers at the beach in Rocky Nook, MA, where her lifelong love of family time, boats, and the water began. She graduated from Milton High School and earned a degree in education from the University of Rhode Island. Leslie began her career as an elementary school teacher before marrying Ted in 1961 and dedicating many years to raising their family.

Leslie and Ted lived in several Massachusetts communities before settling in Clifton Park, NY, in 1969. Through Ted’s work, they traveled extensively and delighted in sharing stories of the many remarkable places they visited. They also spent many years traveling to Florida’s east coast with their family. Later, Leslie returned to the workforce, contributing her creativity to retail positions at a needlework store and in the home and drapery departments at JCPenney. After Ted’s death and being widowed at 52, Leslie was very fortunate to meet George and share many happy years.

After George’s death and 46 years in Clifton Park, Leslie moved to Kennebunk, ME, in 2015 to be closer to family and the ocean. There, she formed many meaningful friendships through the senior center, including her cherished Friday knitting group. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren during summer vacations at Mother’s Beach. In later years, Leslie split her time living with her daughter Lynn between Kennebunk and Naples, FL, through the summer of 2025, enjoying many happy years together as roommates.

In the autumn of 2025, Leslie relocated to Hilton Head, where her time centered around daily and frequent family visits, with the entire extended family gathering to celebrate Christmas in 2025. She loved her room, with its beautiful walkway view, seasonal decorations, family photographs, crocheted blankets, and a Christmas tree that became a tree for all seasons and holidays with its ever-changing ornaments. She especially enjoyed the musical entertainment, hairdresser appointments, and wheelchair tours of the grounds, where she delighted in observing the birds, flower beds, and fellow residents. Her favorite spots included sunshine, lagoon fountain views, and a wooden swing area with beautiful scenery set high and far from the visiting alligators. In every place she called home, Leslie embraced the scenery and community life with grace and curiosity, forming lasting friendships and treasured memories.

Leslie lived a full and meaningful life rooted in family, friendship, creativity, and a deep appreciation for water, nature and always knowing the weather forecast. She found great happiness tending her flower gardens, creating jewelry, and knitting and crocheting beautiful pieces—especially the many baby hats she lovingly made as gifts that will continue to warm others. Drawn to boats, and the water in all its forms, Leslie treasured family time by the shore and found great peace at the beach, where the tide charts, rolling waves, sunshine, and open horizon brought her joy. She also enjoyed attending musical events and family karaoke as long as her own singing was not required. Leslie found her greatest joy in her children, grandchildren, and many beloved family pets, including her current cherished grand-dogs, Bailey and Bella.

Leslie will be remembered for her kindness, her steady presence, and the love she expressed in her own “English” way. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she treasured. She will be missed by family and friends more than words can express for many things, including her dry sense of humor, her love of Snoopy, Hallmark movies, and chocolate ice cream.

Leslie is survived by her three daughters, Lee Ann C. Leahy (Michael) of Hilton Head Island, SC; Lynn A. Carlmark of Naples, FL; and Lois C. Shimanek (Joseph) of Baldwin, MD; and by her son, R. Tucker Carlmark (Johanna) of Cumberland, RI. She is also survived by her treasured grandchildren, Abigail Shimanek, Joseph Edward Shimanek III (Jack), Megan Carlmark, and Jennifer Carlmark, as well as several nieces and nephews in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Florida.

The family is deeply grateful to Lynn for lovingly caring for Leslie in and out of their homes for several years and to both Lee Ann and Lynn for their devotion during Leslie’s final months. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at St. Andre’ Health Care, Fraser Health Center, and Gentiva Hospice for the exceptional care and kindness that ensured Leslie’s final months were peaceful and comfortable.

The family will gather privately to honor Leslie, and a celebration of Leslie’s life will be held at a future date and location near Leslie’s prior home in Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Leslie’s memory may be made to:

The Spaulding Center for Active Living 175 Port Road Kennebunk, ME 04043 https://www.seniorcenterkennebunk.org/

The Animal Welfare Society PO Box 43 West Kennebunk, ME 04094 https://animalwelfaresociety.org/