DOVER-FOXCROFT – Elizabeth (Smith) Stanhope, 89, passed away peacefully Jan. 12, 2009, after a long illness. In October 2008, she had joined her husband of 68 years, Murray Stanhope, at Hibbard Nursing Home. She was a lifelong resident of Dover-Foxcroft, where she graduated with honors from Foxcroft Academy. Elizabeth dedicated her life to helping others. She enjoyed working in her vegetable garden and sharing her harvest with friends and relatives. Elizabeth belonged to the Miosac Club and the congregational church, played bridge and duplicate bridge, and volunteered in the community. After raising four children, she worked for Koritsky’s department store. In retirement, Elizabeth and Murray resided in Zephyrhills, Fla., during the winter months. She is survived by her husband and children, Betty-Jane Meader and her husband, Dick, of Waterville, Nancy Smith and her husband, Steve, of Stonington and Port St. Lucie, Fla., James and his wife, Laney (Robinson), of Tampa, Fla., and Robert and his wife, Fran (Nelson), of Raymond. Her grandchildren include, Lance Meader and his wife, Amy (Worthley), of Falmouth, Daren Meader and his wife, Jen (Stump), of Gorham, April Smith of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Kevin Stanhope and his wife, Katie (Corbett), of Gray. She always lit up when she saw her five great-grandchildren, Drew, Bode, Jace, Jaelyn and Macy. Also, Elizabeth is survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Stanhope and her companion, Rachel Alden; and a niece, Ellen (Smith) Thomas, and her partner, Gordon Engstrom, all of Bangor. She was predeceased by her brother, Cleon Smith and his wife, June and their daughter, Dianne VanDyke. Special thanks are extended to her head caregiver, Tracy Raymond, as well as Bobby Webb, Mary Hall, Regina Foster, Star Legere, Joan Rowe, Ruth Salley and Renee Ogden. At her request, a graveside service only will occur in the spring or summer. Donations may be made in her honor to Foxcroft Academy, 975 West Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426; Congregational Church, 824 West Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426; Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018; or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.
ELIZABETH STANHOPE
