1922 – 2013

BRUNSWICK — Anna Woodcock Butler, 90, formerly of Lisbon Falls, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, Tuesday night, at The Garden at The Midcoast Senior Health Center in Brunswick. 

She was born in Randolph, on Sept. 15, 1922, a daughter of Frank Harold and Alice (Kimball) Woodcock.  

She grew up in the Gardiner area and attended local schools there. She was a graduate of Gardiner High School, Class of 1940.

Following school, Anna met her first husband and resided in several states during the World War II era, where she started her family, prior to taking the long train trip home with her three young children in tow back to Gardiner. After returning, Anna primarily worked locally for Lizotte Bros. Tailors and Cleaners for over 20 years. She helped them in many ways, including customer service, pressing and operational management. On Nov. 8, 1971, she married the late Edward N. Butler Jr. in Gardiner, after which they moved to Lisbon Falls to reside with Ed at his family’s homestead on Free Street, where they enjoyed many years together. 

Anna will always be remembered for her love of reading, dancing, gardening and dining out. She also enjoyed the few years that she was in the bowling league at Good Time Lanes in Lisbon Falls. Anna was very proud to have been the captain of her high school basketball team. She also took great pride in attending many of her children’s sporting events as they grew up. 

She is survived by her three children, Dale E. McElhaney and his wife, Karen, of Durham, Diane Maurer and her husband, Bob, of Darien, Conn., and Richard McElhaney and his companion, Norma Gilley, of West Gardiner. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Colleen (Maurer) Hughes, Brendan and Brian Maurer, Jeremy Jursa and Elijah McElhaney; and six great-grandchildren. Anna cherished her many nephews, nieces and cousins, but her fondest memories were with Betty and Smiley Robbins, who were there at the train station to meet her when she arrived back home in 1955 and were by her side right up until she passed away. 

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 38 years, Edward N. Butler Jr.;  two brothers, John, Hartwell and his twin sister, Emily.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Thornton Hall and The Garden at the Midcoast Senior Health Center, as well as CHANS/Hospice for their loving, compassionate and professional care that Anna received during her stay. The staff provided the encouragement and counsel for Anna to come to peace with her illness and to get the most of her remaining days. 

You are invited to share your memories, condolences and fond memories of Anna by visiting her online guest book at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.