AUBURN — Hope E. Telow, 86, of Schooner Estates, passed away early Wednesday, Nov. 24, at The Hospice House and joined her beloved husband John in Heaven.

She was born in Belfast, Oct. 4, 1924, a daughter of Charles and Eunice (Luce) Leadbetter. Hope was educated in Belfast schools and graduated from Crosby High School in 1942. Following high school, she worked as a telephone operator in Belfast until 1944. She then joined the “Waves” unit for women in the U.S. Navy and spent time stationed in Washington, D.C., and Boston.

Following her honorable discharge from the service, she attended Wilfred Academy in Boston. In 1948, she married John Telow, who was a store manager for W.T. Grant at the time and later became a well-known politician at the local and state levels. He predeceased her in November 2000 after 52 years of marriage. Mrs. Telow then worked locally for many years at Tufts Bros. Printing as a receptionist until her retirement.

Among her favorite enjoyments were playing Bingo and Wii Bowling and putting together puzzles. She also enjoyed going on day-trips and outings, listening to big band music and absolutely loved coffee-flavored shakes from Friendly’s Restaurants.

But most of all, Hope loved the special family times that were shared with her husband, children and grandchildren. She was known for her sense of humor and always putting her family first. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be deeply missed by all who’s lives she touched, but will forever be in our hearts.

She leaves three daughters, Pamela Evans of Scarborough, Lori St.Hilaire and husband, John, of Monmouth and Janis Goss and husband, Tim, of Auburn; two sons, Steven Telow of Winthrop and Michael Telow and wife, Stacey Ann, of Clinton, Conn.; eight grandchildren, Lisa Evans, Evie Taylor and husband, Steve, Fred Norris and fiancee, Annette Withee, Ken Norris and wife, Charity, Heidi Goss, Jennifer Bussiere, Nate Telow and Alex Telow; nine great-grandchildren, Erika Evans, Kelsey Cope-Norris, Emily Taylor, Alanna Taylor, Gavin Norris, Owen Norris, Logan Norris, Sammy Bussiere and Danny Bussiere; one sister, Betty Rogers of Harrington, Del.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, John; and five sisters, Ramona Wadsworth of Marblehead, Mass., Mary Arau, Nellie Crockett and Olive Masalin, all of Camden and Norma Murray of Medford, Mass.

The family wishes to offer special thanks to the staff at The Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for their loving and compassionate care on her final journey.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with her family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.