Gwendolyn Brackett Salata, 94, of Boothbay Harbor, also known as “Grammy Gwen,” died peacefully at her home on Sept. 7 surrounded by family and friends.
She was born May 23, 1917 in Boothbay Harbor to Maynard and Ruby Brackett. An island girl, Gwen grew up on Monhegan until the age of 12, when she and her family moved to Boothbay Harbor where she graduated from Boothbay High School, Class of 1936.
Throughout her life, Gwen was known for having passion and intensity for her wide ranging and varied interests. They included working as a school photographer for some years in Canaan, Conn. where she also owned and operated The Pines Restaurant. She relocated to Wiscasset in the 60s where she maintained a lively farm raising small farm animals. She had a love for all types of gardening and grew much of her own food using organic methods long before most had even heard of such a thing.
A devoted Christian and avid student of the Bible, Gwen had faithful attraction to churches and ministries that she felt taught her the pure word of God. Most recently she attended the Mid-Coast Chapel where she was a most cherished member. Gwen’s faith and love of God were unquestionably the most distinguishing characteristics of her long and rewarding life. She radiated love, kindness and joy to all of those who had the great privilege of knowing her.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Gordon and Clinton “Bud” Brackett; and sister, Elsie Doucette.
She is survived by a daughter, June Elderkin of Southport; son, Nikk Salata and wife Charlotte of North Berwick; grandchildren, Laurel Elderkin-Graham and husband Bruce of Joppa, Md., Jennifer Elderkin-Wickline and husband Jim of Maungatapere, New Zealand and Southport, Patrick Elderkin and partner Tim Conner of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and Southport, Josh Elderkin of Westbrook, Nicholas A. Salata and wife Rachel of Beverly, Mass. and Kristen McElligott and husband John of York, Penn.; and great-grandchildren, Kate and Sage Wickline of Southport and New Zealand.
A private family graveside service will be held at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Boothbay Harbor.
Should friends desire, contributions in Gwen’s memory may be made to Miles-St. Andrews Home Health Hospice, 40 Belevedere Rd., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
You are invited to share your condolences, photos, and memories with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.
