PRINCETON – Ernestine Lillian Neale, 88, died peacefully Saturday, March 12, 2011, at Sunrise Care Facility, Jonesport. Ernestine was born June 5, 1922, in Baileyville, daughter of the late Ernest and Gladys (White) Leighton.
She graduated from Woodland High School, Class of 1939, and attended a nursing program in Bangor. She married Kenneth C. Neale Sr., June 7, 1941. Ernestine was a loving person. Her happiest moments were spent surrounded by family and friends. Among her joys were her grandchildren, family picnics, reunions and Christmas Eve parties at “the farm.” She shared these festive occasions with the people she loved. Her devotion to her faith, husband, children and friends was absolute. Some of her hobbies included cooking, farming and gardening, making Christmas wreaths, writing and logging in many air miles as co-pilot with her husband, Kenneth. Her gentle demeanor was a favorite among people as well as animals. Ernestine worked at numerous jobs to help support her family. Among her favorites were working with her husband as caretakers to an estate on Fisher’s Island, N.Y., as well as working at Ware Knitters, Calais. She also worked as a librarian assistant at Princeton Public Library, where her love for books and people brought her joy. Still the most important “job” for her was the role of mother to her five children; she did this with much love and devotion. Ernestine attended Bethal Chapel, Talmadge, and People’s United Methodist Church, Baileyville. When her young children could not attend a Pentecostal church service in town, she transmitted her Christian faith to them by holding her own “Sunday school service” in the living room of her beloved farm.
In addition to her parents, Ernestine was predeceased by her loving husband of 67 years, Kenneth, Jan. 24, 2009; and her sister, Eleanor McClanaghan. Surviving are her five children, Tina Barzyk and her husband, Michael, of Bangor, Kenneth C. Neale Jr. and his wife, Marie, of Topsham, Stephen R. Neale of Baileyville, Cheryl Neale of Bangor and Eleanor Martell and her husband, Michael, of Green Bay, Wis.; a brother, Ernest Leighton and his wife, Gloria, of Baileyville; a sister, Betty Gibbs of Baileyville; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Crowe of Methuen, Mass., and Miriam Libby and her husband, Eldon, of Baileyville; nine grandchildren, Jeff Diadone and his wife, Lori, of Baileyville, Terry Diadone and his wife, Lori, of Princeton, Scott Neale and his wife, Erin, of Kennebunk, Ryan Neale of Gardiner and his companion, Colleen Monroe, of Cape Elizabeth, Troy Neale and his wife, Jennifer, of Bangor, Patti Wormell and her husband, Peter, of Manchester, Mark Neale and his wife, Jennifer, of Tiverton, R.I., Corey Martell and his wife, Tammy, of Green Bay, Wis., and Lucas Martell and his companion, Kendall McFarlin, of Green Bay, Wis.; 18 great-grandchildren and numerous dear friends. Ernestine will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her. She will always be remembered by her children as the most wonderful mom in the world.
Visiting hours will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais, where a celebration of Ernestine’s life will begin 1 p.m. with Pastor Tom Smith officiating. Entombment will be afterward at South Princeton Cemetery. After the graveside service, a time of fellowship will be held at People’s United Methodist Church, 86 Summit St., Baileyville. Donations in Ernestine’s memory may be made to Princeton Public Library, P.O. Box 408, Princeton, ME 04668. Condolences and memories may be shared at
www.maysfuneralhome.com.