Ethel Mildred Herald, 78, of Newcastle, passed away peacefully at her home March 28 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Dec. 8, 1934 in New Harbor, the daughter of the late Samuel and Dorothy Poland Morton.
She found out at a young age that she loved being in a kitchen. This is where she found her peace. She began her career at 11 as a dishwasher, a job that would require the use of a milk crate because she was not tall enough to reach the sink. She worked her way through the kitchen from dishwasher all the way to head chef and at one point in time also owned and operated her own business. She worked at such places like Gilberts, Smalls Brothers Wharf, The Anchor Inn, Restoration Restaurant, and was the head chef at the Pier Restaurant. She was famous for her baked stuffed lobster and her molasses cookies.
She was a very spiritual person and believed in angels and the miracles they would bring. She enjoyed tap dancing, something she did for 42 years, clogging, and ballroom dancing. She took these talents and used them by performing at local nursing homes and events.
She wrote songs and poems and country western music, as well as writing her own biography. She had a lot of stories that she wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to hear them. She was proud of her heritage which included Native American, Scottish, English, Irish, and French or as she liked to call it “Heinz 57.”
She was a caring and loving person, and was there whenever and wherever anyone would need her. She took on the role of caregiver for many of her family members and it was a job she enjoyed. She was honored that she could help out when someone needed it the most.
She was a member of the Damariscotta Women’s Auxiliary, the Gardiner and Lewiston Singles Clubs, as well as a member of the Maine Academy of Country Music. Her family will keep her memory forever in their hearts.
She was predeceased by a son, Earl Dennis Boyd; sisters, Ella, Emma, Alphra; and brother, Henry.
Survivors include her son, E. Donald Boyd and partner Ellen of Bristol; daughter, Elsie Dorothy Daigle of Nobleboro; granddaughter, Verna Werlla of Boothbay Harbor; grandson, Dennis E. Boyd and wife Patty of Leander, Tex.; partner, Ralph Elliot; nine stepchildren and all of their families; and her latest blessings twin step great-grandchildren, Julian and Sophia.
Graveside service 11 a.m., Sat., April 13 at the Hillside Cemetery in Bremen with the Rev. Dr. Ken Dale officiating. Immediately following the service a celebration of life will be held at Reunion Station in Damariscotta.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Miles Home Health & Hospice, 40 Belvedere Rd., Damariscotta, ME 04543 or Boothbay YMCA Aquatic Department, PO Box 500, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories, and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
