Harriet E. Townsend, 87, of Stratton and Rangeley, went home to be with her Lord on Nov. 13 at Sandy River Nursing Care Center in Farmington, where she had resided since July.

She was born in Rangeley on May 22, 1918, the daughter of Calvin and Edith (Haley) Nile, and attended Rangeley School.

On Oct. 30, 1938, she married Ardean Townsend. Together they raised five children. Her husband passed away on Feb. 27, 1983.

She was a charter member of the Calvary Bible Church, where she was active in the S.S. Ladies Missionary Circle. She taught and held Good News Clubs through CEF. Harriet loved gardening in her flower garden. She also liked to crochet, knit, sew, tat, and do quilting. She liked to pick berries, especially raspberries.

She is survived by four daughters, Joan Bean and her husband, Vernon, of Rangeley, Jean Ellis and her husband, Harry, of New Vineyard, Betty Butland and her husband, Jeffrey, of North Berwick, and Peggy Borel and her husband, Michael, of West Lake, La.; one son, Michael Townsend of Wells; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson expected in November; and three sisters-in-law, Mary Nile of Rangeley, Heidi Nile of Stonington, Conn., and Betty Wyman of Stratton.

She was predeceased by two infant sons; one granddaughter, Stacey Jean Ellis; one grandson, Ricky Bean; one great-granddaughter, Kristen Marie Ellis; six brothers, Hazen Nile, Carson Nile, Linsey (Bill) Nile, Persey Nile, Harold (Bud) Nile and Earl Wyman; three sisters, Marion Bachelder, Arlene Myshrall and Doris Wentzell; as well as her parents; her husband; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Elva Fotter.