Celia Guptill, 87, passed away on the morning of April 29 at Cove’s Edge Nursing Facility with her loving family by her side. Born in Pemaquid on Dec. 10, 1925, she was the daughter of Ralph and Gladys (Sykes) Richardson.
Celia grew up in Pemaquid, attending local schools and Bristol High School. She would walk to school every day, no matter what the weather. She did remember occasionally being able to catch a ride with a local worker who was going by with a horse and buggy.
After her schooling was done, she started working as a waitress in a Damariscotta Diner. She did that a little while, but soon moved on to become a nurse. She started working at the local hospital, but eventually went to work for Dr. Belknap. She helped him as a nurse, but because of his declining health, she also acted as his driver for his daily house calls. She and Dr. Belknap traveled to people’s homes to give them the care they need regardless of the weather.
Celia married Victor Oliveri on Nov. 12, 1943 in Damariscotta, and the couple moved between Maine and Springfield, Mass., where Victor’s family was from. She later married Frank Guptill Sr., and continued her nursing career at the Sunny Acres Nursing Home in Bristol Mills, as well as a private care nurse. She eventually had to take care of her husband Frank, until his passing in 1997.
Celia enjoyed watching and feeding the birds, playing Bingo and doing word puzzles, going to lawn sales and enjoyed watching automobile races. She was an amazing cook. If there was fun to be had, Celia wanted to be part of it, whether it was sitting on the back of a motorcycle, or spending time on the water.
She was also predeceased by her siblings, Ralph Richardson Jr., Erwin Richardson, Madelyn Feltis, Evelyn Simmons, and Florida Fitch; as well as a stepgrandson.
She is survived by her sons, Terry Oliveri and wife Mary of Pemaquid, and Kim Guptill and wife Katrina of Jefferson; stepchildren, Frank Guptill Jr. and wife Joy of Waldoboro, and Sheryl Pitcher of Nobleboro; grandchildren, Adam Oliveri, Roger Guptill, Chelsea Guptill, and Nickolas Guptill; four step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside service 12 p.m., Tues., May 7 at the New Harbor Cemetery. A reception will follow the service at Terry and Mary Oliveri’s home, 26 Bradley Hill Rd. in Pemaquid.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Celia Guptill Memorial Fund, c/o Damariscotta Bank & Trust, PO Box 999, Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
