Estella “Sylvia” Loud Collamore, 104, passed away on June 23 at her home in New Harbor. She was born in Nobleboro on May 20, 1911 to parents Frank and Lillian Genthner. She married Herbert Loud on July 18, 1927 and moved to her current location in New Harbor. They raised three children – Wilbur, Elsie and Chalmer.
Sylvia worked in many jobs through the years, including the Bristol School cafeteria, housekeeping at the Gosnold Arms, and pastry cooking at Shaw’s Lobster Wharf. She also worked alongside her husband on his lobster boat after the loss of his leg. Herbert died on April 16, 1959. Sylvia maintained their home in New Harbor and continued to work in the community. She loved her family and friends, and her home continued to be the center of many gatherings. She loved to play cards, “63” and cribbage being her favorites. Family always gathered for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve to be with Nanny. She loved all children, and they loved her.
Sylvia served as Noble Grand of the Rebekah Lodge, performed in the Bristol Footlighters shows, and received the Boston Post Cane in 2008 for being the oldest living resident in Bristol. She married Waldo Collamore on October 20, 1966. Waldo became part of the family and also found joy in welcoming family and friends into their home. After Waldo’s death on March 16, 1978, Sylvia continued to live in her New Harbor home. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, baking, and her flowers. She knit hundreds of mittens and sweaters and made thousands of pies, donuts, biscuits and chocolate bread pudding for family and friends. She was always caring for others. Her favorite pastime was bingo, and with the help of family and friends, she enjoyed this activity throughout her later life.
Sylvia was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Lillian (Sprague) Genthner; husband, Herbert Wilbur Loud; son, Herbert Wilbur Loud Jr.; daughter, Chalmer Mae Loud Lewis; husband, Waldo Collamore; sisters, Berneice Spear and Beatrice Winchenbach; brothers, Roy, Derring, Dennis, and Eldbridge Genthner; infant grandson, Alan David Lewis Jr.; and granddaughter, Sandra Estella Benner Winchenbach.
She is survived by her daughter, Elsie Rae Loud Benner of Belfast; grandchildren, Elaine Benner Hyler and husband Walter of Georgetown, Del., Molly Benner of South China, Debra Lewis Hogate and husband Jonathan of Skowhegan, Alice Benner Sullivan and husband Danny of Cooper, Benjamin Lewis and wife Lizzie of Concord, Mass., Sarah Benner Moran (and the late Daniel Moran) of Waldoboro, Jill Lewis Grogan and husband Ray of Freeport, Herbert Benner and wife Tammy of Belfast, and Tyler Lewis and wife, Renee, of Plymouth, N.H.; son-in-law, Alan Lewis of East Boothbay; grandson-in-law, Reginald Winchenbach of Boca Raton, Fla.; 29 great-grandchildren; nine great great-grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends in the community whom she loved as family.
Visiting hours were held June 29, followed by the funeral at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. A graveside committal service was held at the New Harbor Cemetery following the service.
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.
