Mary “Edith” Staley, 95, of Waldoboro, died peacefully Sept. 22 at her residence surrounded by her family.
Edith was born March 11, 1914 in Tabernacle, N.J., the daughter of Hillman and Anna Jeanette Summers Ellis, and attended schools in New Jersey. She lost her mother in 1923 to pneumonia and her youngest brother Albert Ellis in 1921 in a farming accident. Her older brother Charles died in 1982 from natural causes.
Edith took care of her father and older brother following the death of her mother and younger brother. She devoted her time to farming and waitressing until her late 20s at which time she became involved in the grange. Edith gave over 30 years of her life to the grange in New Jersey and held the “Lady Assistant Steward” officer position. She also loved to go dancing and attend gatherings with friends.
She married Leslie Staley, Sr. in May 19, 1951, and later gave birth to two sons. She spent many years following her husband overseas during foreign wars, living in Germany and Italy. Edith and her family settled in Waldoboro in 1972. She was primarily a homemaker and devoted her life to her family and friends. Edith enjoyed fishing, gardening, watching birds and socializing with friends.
Edith became a widow on Aug. 22, 2003, and is also predeceased by a grandchild, Justin A. Staley, Jr.
She is survived by her sons, Leslie J. Staley, Jr. and wife Debbie of Waldoboro, Justin A. Staley and wife Marilyn of Whitefield, and James H. Staley and wife Marge of Greenfield, Tenn.; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Celebration of her life 11 a.m., Sat., Sept. 26 at the Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro.
