NORWAY — Elsie Irene Tenney of Naples, passed peacefully on the morning of Oct. 26, at Norway Rehabilitation and Living Center with her daughter by her side.

The daughter of Joseph and Helga Pulkkinen, Elsie was born in Harrison, Sept. 17,1927. She was the youngest of six children. Elsie attended grammar school in Bolster’s Mills and graduated from Bridgton Academy with honors in 1946. She later matriculated from Gorham State Teachers’ College in 1950, and received her masters degree in education from the University of Maine in Orono in 1968.

Elsie married Adelbert Tenney on Dec. 16,1950, and together they had one daughter, Faye. The family lived happily in Naples until Del’s untimely death in 1962. A resident of Naples for more than 50 years, Elsie deeply loved the area, having seen many changes in the town’s complexion over the years.

Elsie taught elementary school for 33 years in the towns of North Turner, Raymond, and later in Naples and Casco, retiring from SAD 61 in 1987. Teaching was Elsieís passion. She would often recount tales of her students, as well as those of her fellow teachers from Casco Memorial School with whom she felt a strong bond.

A member of Eudorah Rebekah Lodge in Bridgton, Elsie was their Noble Grand in 1967. She later belonged to Woodland Rebekah Lodge in Harrison. In addition, Elsie was a member of the Maine Retired Teachers Association and the Finnish American Society in South Paris.

Elsie enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading, baking, traveling, and visiting with friends and family. Her granddaughter Erin was the delight of her life as she enjoyed spending time with her and her friends.

Elsie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Faye and Brian Levasseur of Naples, as well as her granddaughter, Erin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Mary Miner, Donald Pulkkinen, Lahya Pulkkinen, Lelia Carlton and Matti Pulkkinen.

Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhomeinc.com.