Catherine “Cak” Eliza Teele ,92, of Port Clyde, passed away Sept. 20 at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta with her loving family by her side.
The daughter of the late Charles “Jack” and Bertha (Stone) Cushman, she was born May 31, 1914, on Friendship Long Island, the oldest of nine children.
She lived on Friendship Long Island and attended school there until her family moved to Port Clyde.
In 1931 she married Francis Ellis and together they had five children. They were later divorced and in 1944 she married the love of her life, Burton “Bud” Teele, while he was stationed in Alabama during his tour in the Army. Bud and Cak had six children and raised all eleven together. After his tour in the service, the Teeles lived in Port Clyde for a short time before moving to New Sweden and then settled in Medomak for many years. In the 70’s they returned to Port Clyde and lived in the family homestead on Horse Point Road until Bud’s death in 2003. After his death Catherine lived with her daughter, Peanut Harnish, in Newcastle until illness moved her to Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta.
Besides her family, Cak’s greatest love was music, particularly old hymns. She has sung onstage at bluegrass festivals with musicians such as Back to Basics. Cak was well-known for her cooking, especially biscuits and beans, and always had plenty for everyone. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends and will be remembered as a kind, hardworking and loving lady
who never complained even when things were difficult.
She is survived by brothers, Harold and wife Gloria of Belfast and Leroy and Beatrice of Port Clyde; sister Betty Lou of Virginia; sons, Milford and wife Ruby Ellis of Waldoboro and Burton and wife Marilyn Teele of Boothbay; daughters, Virginia Call, Bridget and husband Teddy Palino and Gladys Collamore, all of Florida and Gertrude “Peanut” and husband Frank Harnish of Newcastle; 29 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and many great great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Burton Teele; brothers Linwood “Buster”, Woodrow, Shannon and Bernard “Spinner”; sister Adell; sons Francis Ellis, Wesley Ellis and Ira Dell Teele; daughters Annie Willey and Georgia Benner and great grandson Timothy Leeman.
Graveside service 11 a.m., Mon., Sept. 25 at Evergreen Cemetery in Medomak. The service will be conducted by her granddaughter, Carmen Reed.
Care entrusted to Coast of Maine Cremation and Funeral Service. Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Mrs. Teele’s memory to Cove’s Edge, c/o Miles Development Office, 35 Miles St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.