1911 – 2016

AUBURN — Eleanor W. Ness, 104, passed away peacefully at the Hospice House in Auburn on Friday, Oct. 28.

She was a resident of Schooner Estates in Auburn for the past 23 years. She was born in Wilton on Dec. 3, 1911, the daughter of Everett H. and Mary (Wright) Wheelwright. She was a graduate of Wilton Academy and Colby College, where she was a member of Tri Delta Sorority.

Following graduation, she worked as a sportswear buyer at B. Peck Co. in Lewiston. In 1939, she married Norman Ness of Auburn. They lived in Farmington for 10 years and then in Orono for many years. She was active in the Church of Universal Fellowship and other community organizations. After her husband’s retirement from the University of Maine Extension Service, they moved to Auburn in 1977. After 63 very happy years of marriage, he passed away in February 2003.

She is survived by a daughter, Mary Jean Spring and her husband, Hobart, of Salem, N.H.; and a son, Norman Ness Jr. and his wife, Jean, of Auburn. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Robin Ness and her husband, Jim, Jon Ness and his wife, Julie, Gail Cota and her husband, Jonathan, Ryan Spring and his wife, Stacey and Kurt Spring and his wife, Holly; 10 great-grandchildren, Kelsey Cota, Sophie Rao, Nic Cota, Sam Ness, Cam Cota, Zac Cota, Owen Spring, Eleanor Spring, Walker Spring and Kellan Spring; and three great-great grandchildren, Carson Hatch, Caroline Hatch and Cruz Hatch.

She was predeceased by her husband; her parents; and a brother, John, of Wilton.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.