ISLAND FALLS and BANGOR – Lenora Marie Pelkey, 94, died peacefully March 25, 2011, at the home of her daughter in Lake Wylie, S.C. Born July 24, 1916, in Eagle Lake, she was the daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Nadeau) Caron.
Lenora was an accomplished seamstress who was employed for several years by Sears, Roebuck and Co., Bangor. She enjoyed many hobbies, including knitting, berry picking, cooking and cribbage. She established a family tradition of teaching each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to play cribbage by age 7. A highlight of family gatherings was a friendly four-generation cribbage tournament. Lenora loved to cook with her family and was well known for her special Christmas cookies and yeast rolls that she sent to loved ones throughout the country. After she retired Lenora spent her winters visiting her children and grandchildren in Minnesota, Georgia and South Carolina. Wherever her travels took her, she made new and long-lasting friendships. In 2005 Lenora moved from Bangor to Larrabee Village, Westbrook. In 2009 she moved to Lake Wylie, S.C., to be with her daughter and son-in-law. Lenora will be remembered by family and friends for her strong faith, kind spirit and quiet wisdom. In good times and bad, she counted her blessings every day and was an inspiration to those around her. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her daughter, Donna Hayford and husband, Dennis, of Lake Wylie, S.C.; two sons, Charles Pelkey and wife, Joan, of Rogers, Minn., and Barry Pelkey and wife, Sallie, of South Portland; and seven grandchildren, Lisa Marchese of Cumberland and fiance, Jon Eames, Elizabeth Westerberg of Maple Grove, Minn., Michele Brannigan and husband, Jim, of North Kingstown, R.I., Gregory Pelkey and wife, Deb, of Oak Grove, Minn., Jeffrey Duffy and wife, Maria, of Cary, N.C., Sherri Steiner of Fort Mill, S.C., and Donna Dee and husband, Steve, of Elk River, Minn. She is also survived and will be missed by 18 great-grandchildren, and several devoted nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Gilbert L. Pelkey; two sisters, Leafie Albert and Lucy LeBel; three brothers, Alfie, Hampy and Neil Caron; two half sisters and one half brother.
A burial service for family will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in Lenora’s name to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 1230 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732. For an online memory book and to leave condolences, please visit
www.bowersfuneral.com.