1918 – 2016

LEEDS — Elsie Andre, 98, passed away at home on Friday, Sept. 23, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on Aug. 4, 1918, in Bridgewater, Mass., to Alton and Lillian (Ellis) Hathaway. She attended schools in Bridgewater, Mass. In 1937, she married Frank Andre and they resided in West Bridgewater, Mass. In 1958, they moved their three children to a farm in Leeds. They enjoyed 47 years together before Frank’s passing in 1984. For many years, Elsie was a homemaker raising her children and bountiful gardens. If it could be canned, preserved or frozen, she did it. In 1970, she went to work in the dietary department of Greene Acres Manor Nursing home and remained there until her retirement at age 70.

Elsie was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She attended as many sporting and special events for her family as she possibly could. She loved to play cards and games and shared that love with her family. In her later years, traveling to Arizona and Gettysburg, as well as camping summers in Weld, were very special to her. One of her last adventures was going to Bangor to the Dolly Parton concert for her 98th birthday.

She is survived by her sons, Gregory Andre of Bingham, Francis Andre and his wife, Jolene, of Leeds; and her daughter, Jolene Littlehale and her husband Jeffrey, of Bryant Pond; five grandchildren, Brad Andre and his wife, Laurie, Missy Black and her husband, Keith, Brian Andre and his wife, Jen, Ben Shimamura and his wife, Ashley, and Caiti Black and her husband, Mike; seven great-grandchildren, Emily Murphy and fiancée, Ryan, Shane Murphy and companion, Marty, Ashley Black, Lillie Black, Brooke Andre, Alexa Andre and Parker Andre; one great-great-grandchild, Blake Letourneau.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Frank; her five brothers and one sister; her daughter-in-law, Anita Andre; and a special niece, Jeri Celia.

Special thanks to Dr. Nicollette Erickson for all of her special care, Dr. Greg Friedel, the Oncology Staff at Rumford Community Hospital, Molly and the other visiting nurses from Androscoggin Home Health.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.finleyfuneralhome.com.