Anna Mary Elskus (nee Crewdson), 82, passed away peacefully Dec. 24 after a short hospital stay in York. As her death became imminent, she declared it a wonderful day and asked her family, who surrounded her, to be happy for her because she was joyfully looking forward to passing and joining her husband.
Ann was born in Lewistown, Penn. on May 21, 1927, (the day Lindbergh landed in Paris). She was very proud of that fact, saying that it made her feel very special.
In l949, she received a BA degree in Sociology from Morris Harvey College in Charleston, W. Va. (now known as The University of Charleston). That same year she became Program Director of Fellowship House (a Settlement house) in Chicago where she taught nursery school. There she met Albinas Elskus, a young stained glass artist who had newly arrived from Lithuania. She left Chicago in l952 to go on a student trip to England with the NAS (National Association of Students) and stayed in Europe for one year. In l953, she was married in Paris to Albinas who was studying at the Ecole des Beaux Arts at that time.
They returned to the U.S. and settled in New York City where they raised their three children. She became a secretary at Rockefeller University in l970, and retired in l990.
She and her husband moved to Chamberlain to live year-round in 2004, after summering there for almost 50 years. Her husband predeceased her in 2007.
She is survived by her children, Adria Elskus, Arilda Densch and Albin Elskus and his four children, Ashley, Brian, Scott and Molly.
Memorial celebration will be held for her in Chamberlain this summer. Condolences for the family may be expressed at www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.