Eleanor Lee Wilson, 98, of Jefferson, died Nov. 5 in Waldoboro. She was born July 15, 1914 in Portland to Roger Nichols and Martha Chase Nichols. She grew up in Kennebunkport in the summers and Portland during the rest of the year. She graduated from Portland High School. She was an excellent student and poet, winning awards for her poetry in high school and throughout her life.
She married Robert Wilson in 1936. They lived in Massachusetts and New Jersey while Robert was obtaining his medical training. They then moved to Oklahoma where he served the country in an Army hospital for three years. At the end of the war they moved to Maine. In 1947 they settled permanently next to Damariscotta Lake in Jefferson.
Eleanor was a talented homemaker and seamstress. She made clothes for her children, grandchildren, and also for herself. She was a very active 4-H leader for many years and enjoyed going to the fairs where her club members had exhibits. She was very active in politics and social issues and was a member of the Women’s Legislative Committee for many years. Locally, she served several terms as president of the Jefferson Women’s Club and was a staunch supporter of the school and town library.
Eleanor was a wonderful Quaker lady, who always saw the best in people. She worked for three years with the Beacon Hill Friends in Boston, revising the Faith and Practice Book for the Society of Friends.
She was a talented musician; an accomplished harmonica and piano player. She was an independent woman, often riding her bicycle around town, before any ladies of the town would even think of doing such a thing. Eleanor loved cats and had many special ones during her lifetime, including “Miss Kitty” in her last few weeks. She had a green thumb and had lovely gardens, as did her mother. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Robert Wilson; son, Robert Wilson Jr.; daughter, Constance Wilson; and daughter-in-law, Melba Wilson.
She is survived by her daughter, Mary Martha Collins and husband Edwin of Jefferson; son, Roger Wilson of Bar Harbor; grandchildren, Terry Collins and wife Amy of North Waterboro, Micky Collins and wife Lynn of Pittsburgh, Penn., Cynthia Richards and husband Ted of Fayetteville, N.C., and Diane Sare and husband Christopher of Bogota, N.J.; 14 great-grandchildren.
Service to celebrate Eleanor’s life 1 p.m., Fri., Nov. 16 at the Friends Meeting House, 48 South Stanley Hill Rd., East Vassalboro. Following the service, a gathering will be held at the nearby Grange Hall. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Jefferson.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Eleanor’s memory may be made to American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), 1501 Cherry St., Philadelphia, PA 19102.
You are invited to share your condolences with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
