ELSIE POLK CUNNINGHAM

PLANTATION 21 and CALAIS – Elsie Polk Cunningham graduated to her heavenly home Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at Atlantic Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Calais. She was born May 29, 1918, in Eastport, daughter of Merrill and Lena (McDonald) Laughton. She attended Eastport schools and moved to Plantation 21 at age 14, and remained there until last year. She also attended the University of Maine at Machias, Washington County Vocational Technical Institute and Chicago School of Nursing. Elsie was very active throughout her lifetime. She worked numerous jobs during her life. She worked as a licensed practical nurse at Barnards Nursing Home, Calais; St. Croix Family Health Center, Princeton; and also did private duty nursing. Elsie was a secretary for the school systems in both Princeton and Baileyville. She worked at Princeton Town Office and Fenderson Insurance Agency, Calais. She served as town clerk for Plantation 21 and the state of Maine for many years. As a notary, she was pleased to perform many marriages. Elsie and her first husband, Kenneth, owned a logging business for many years. During that time, she became known as the “Dragon Lady” to many of her citizens’ band – CB friends around the world. Elsie enjoyed being around people and out in the community. She took pride in her ability to play the piano and organ, and performed at numerous weddings and funerals. She attended Princeton Baptist Church for many years, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, daily vacation Bible school, and was instrumental in Big Lake Campground meetings. She had frequently played the piano and organ at Woodland Pentecostal Church, Baileyville; People’s United Methodist Church, Baileyville; Baptist Church, Princeton; and Bethel Chapel, Talmadge. She retired from playing at the congregational church in Princeton, last year after 26 years. She was a 50-plus year member of the grange in Alexander and Princeton. Elsie was predeceased by her first husband of 55 years, Kenneth Polk, in 1989; her second husband of 14 years, Andrew Cunningham, in March 2009; her son, Maurice Polk, in 1999; her father, Merrill Laughton, in 1974; her mother, Lena Camic, in 1940; her stepmother, Agnes Laughton, in 1983; a sister, Ida Cook, in 1952; a brother, Stanley Camic; a great-granddaughter, Tracey Lawless, in 1981; a great-grandson, Matthew Childress, in 2007; and her lifelong friend, Rena Kneeland, in December 2008. Elsie is survived by a sister, Agnes and Perry Drost of Parsonsfield; a brother, Reid and Carol Camic of Brunswick; her grandchildren, Carmen and her husband, George Small, of Robbinston, Maurice “Andy” and his wife, Patricia Polk, of Whitehouse, Tenn., Lorrie Johnson of Baileyville, Philip and his wife, Cindy Polk, of Princeton, Shelly and her husband, Vernon Childress, of Robbinston, Michael Polk of Baileyville, Maurice and his wife, Addie Polk, of Baring, Zelda and her husband, Murray Bishop, of Chipman, New Brunswick, Angela Nesbitt of Baileyville, Byron and his wife, Kimberly Polk, of Sherman, and Darlene and her husband, Lee Ward, of Hopewell, Va.; two sisters-in-law, Alfreda Morrison and Freda Polk of Calais; and a stepbrother-in-law, Wilbur Spearin of Princeton. She is also survived by many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais, as well as one hour prior to the funeral Saturday at Princeton Congregational Church. A brief service will be conducted 6:30 p.m. Friday by the local grange. The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at Princeton Congregational Church, Main Street, Princeton. Burial will be afterward at Lakeview Cemetery, Plantation 21. A time of fellowship will be held at the church after the committal. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Donations in Elsie’s memory may be made to Princeton Congregation Church, 101 Slipps Point Road, Princeton, ME 04668. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com.