Lillian Mabelle Wallace, 95, passed away peacefully on Sept. 30 at Miles Memorial Hospital surrounded by family and friends.
Born in Bristol on Sept. 20, 1912, she was the daughter of Sarah Eleanor Ervine and Harrison Morton Little. Lillian was a lifelong resident of the community. She was a graduate of Bristol High School and Gorham Normal School.
Lillian was married for 52 years to Elbridge Sidney Wallace, who predeceased her in 1981 following a long battle with cancer.
After college, Lillian taught elementary school in Greene, Wiscasset, South Bristol, Round Pond and at other area schools. She later joined her mother and stepfather, Fred Gilbert, in the operation of Gilbert’s Lobster Pound in Pemaquid Beach, where she held various positions throughout the years.
Lillian was an active member of the community, serving on various boards and committees. She was a member of the Pemaquid and New Harbor United Methodist churches, serving as lay leader, Sunday school superintendent, board member and conference delegate. She was active in the Order of Eastern Star Pemaquid Chapter #178. Over the years Lillian was a Worthy Matron, District Deputy, Grand Representative to the State of Washington as well as Grand Electa in 1973, which gave her the opportunity to travel and make close friends throughout the State of Maine. She was a member of the Bristol Footlighters, performing in many minstrels and plays over the years. Lillian was a member of the Pemaquid Neighborly Club, Pemaquid Beach Community Club, the Fortnightly Club, a board member of the Bristol Area Library and a charter member and board member of the Friends of Colonial Pemaquid.
In her later years, Lillian had the opportunity to travel extensively, initially visiting Hawaii with her granddaughter Lisa, then later going to England, Portugal, the Grand Canyon, the Caribbean, and up the Mississippi River with her traveling companion, Edwin Jacobson, who passed away Dec. 6, 2004.
Lillian will be remembered for many things including her zest for life, love of baking, travel adventures, thoughtfulness to others and sharp sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Lillian is survived by her daughter, Carol Ann Ring and husband Paul D. Ring; granddaughter, Lisa Bishop Sterling and husband Dr. Mark J. Sterling of Short Hills, N.J.; step-grandson, Christopher Paul Ring and wife Barbara Russell of Rome; step-granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Peters and husband Gene Peters, Sr. of Norfolk, Va.; and three great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours 5-7 p.m., Wed., Oct. 3 at Strong Funeral Home in Damariscotta.
Funeral 1 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 4 at the New Harbor United Methodist Church. She will be laid to rest at the New Harbor Cemetery.
Celebration of her life will be held at the Willing Workers Hall in New Harbor after the service on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Harbor United Methodist Church or the Bristol Area Library.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Strong Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
