TOPSHAM – Elsie M. Giddinge, 103, of Mechanic Falls died Thursday, Sept. 16, at Amenity Manor.

She was born in Rumford, May 9, 1901, the daughter of Michael and Mary Juskewicz Shufenis. She was a child of 1st generation Lithuanian immigrants. She graduated from Mechanic Falls High School and attended Maine School of Commerce in Auburn.

In her early years she was a bookkeeper at a local bank and a waitress at a local diner. For several years she was a reporter for the Lewiston Daily Sun.

During World War II she was an airplane spotter for the Civil Air Patrol. She was a member of the Mechanic Falls Methodist Church and the WSCs of the church, Excelsior Grange 5 in Poland, Androscoggin Pomona and national grange. A life-member of American Legion Post 150 Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the Mechanic Falls Senior Citizens. She enjoyed fishing and the outdoors and was an avid gardener. She was married to Cody Giddinge, who died in 1984.

Survivors include a son, Harry, of Topsham; a daughter, Pauline Shaw, of Windsor; six grandchildren;12 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Giddinge was predeceased by a son, Laurison in 2003.

Copy the Story Link