Patricia (Pat) Louise Elliott, 77, was reunited with her husband Howard on June 21. She passed away peacefully after complications of congestive heart failure, under the tender care of her loving daughter, Hester and the staff at Winship Green Nursing Center in Bath.
Pat was born on Sept. 20, 1932 at Miles Memorial Hospital, Damariscotta, to Frank and Louise Lailer. In 1958 she married Howard Elliott, and they settled in Round Pond to raise their family. In 1962 twins Hester and Howard Jr. were born. In 1963 they had their daughter Laila, and in 1966 a second set of twins, Roberta and Richard, were welcomed into the family.
Pat attended Washington School in Round Pond, then graduated from Bristol High School, and continued her education at Northeastern Business School in Portland, majoring in Business Education. She resided in Portland for some time, working as a secretary. She worked many years as a waitress at Moody’s Diner in Waldoboro and in 1963 began an unwavering career with her business, “The Happy Elf,” making handcrafted Christmas ornaments and decorations. Pat was highly respected in her role as coordinator for Olde Bristol Days and was a member of the Bristol Footlighters, alongside her husband Howard. Her dedication to her work and the warm relationships that she formed made for many life-long friends. Christmas at the Elliott home was Pat’s ultimate joy and enabled her to showcase her many talents for various crafts and attention to detail.
A private and humble person, with a great sense of humor, Pat gave her time and effort to those she loved and to those in need. Pat was also an avid gardener, who tenderly cared for the many flowers gardens she herself built, around her home. Her love and knowledge of birds and wildlife was unsurpassed, and she never missed an opportunity to pass that knowledge on to her children.
Pat’s untiring study of genealogy unfolded thousands of documents revealing the ancestry of the Lailer and Elliott families, dating back to the 1500’s. Her steadfast collaborations throughout the years have made a significant mark in the town’s history that will never be forgotten.
In 2003, Howard, the love of her life, died after a courageous fight with cancer. Pat then attended to the family home with determination and grace.
Pat is survived by her beloved children, Hester Schaff and husband Bill of Oakland, Howard Elliott Jr. and wife Sue Ann of San Diego, Cal., Laila Salli and husband Bill of Sun Prairie, Wis., Roberta Elliott of Long Beach, Cal. and Richard Elliott and wife Olga of Kenai, Alas.; grandchildren, Courtney, Matthew, Benjamin and Joshua Schaff, and Justin and Michael Salli; and her siblings, Mike and Frank Lailer.
Memorial 1 p.m., Sat., July 17 at the Round Pond United Methodist Church followed by a graveside service at the Muscongus Cemetery. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Round Pond United Methodist Church, 1414 State Route 32, Round Pond, ME 04564.
