Elaine Elizabeth (Peluso) Harper

HARPER, Elaine Elizabeth (Peluso), 98, PRESQUE ISLE, November 5, 2012. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Presque Isle.

    PRESQUE ISLE – Elaine Elizabeth (Peluso) Harper, 98, went to be with the Lord November 5, 2012, at the Aroostook Medical Center, Presque Isle. She was born Dec. 18, 1913, in Millinocket, daughter of the late Antonio Peluso and Hattie May Mossie.
    She lived in Parkhurst Siding and Presque Isle since she was a child. Elaine was 10 years old when she started picking potatoes for Wesley Clark, who dug with a single row digger pulled behind by a double team of workhorses. She graduated from the Jordan School in Parkhurst Siding, married and raised her family there. She enrolled into nursing school at age 42. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse assigned to pediatrics at AR Gould Hospital until she retired.
    Elaine was a very independent lady, who gained joy by helping others. She and her friends formed the Helping Hand Club. They raised money to help build the Sunday School in Parkhurst Siding and to lend a hand to those in need. She was a member of the Sprague Extension for 55 years. She traveled to the Lone Boy Scout conventions with husband, Frank, for many years and made several long car and train trips across Canada and the USA with her good friend, Louise Shaw, who predeceased her.
    For years, Elaine knit hats and mittens for family and children in the Parkhurst Siding neighborhood. She would place money in the mittens and pass them out at Halloween. Elaine enjoyed picking fiddleheads and did so until age 92. She bowled on a league in Presque Isle for many years. Elaine enjoyed quilting and produced many beautiful examples treasured by family members. She loved her car and the freedom it offered and drove it regularly until she was 96 and used it as a sunporch almost daily. She loved and enjoyed her family.
    She is survived by a daughter, Irene DaFonte of Easton; a son, Wayne Harper and his wife, Sylvia of Presque Isle; a son, Bryan and his wife, Debbie of Caribou; a sister, Jean Festa of Rockland, MA; a sister-in-law, Thelma Peluso of Westfield; 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews who enjoyed visiting Auntie.
    In 1979, her loving husband of 49 years, Frank Woodford predeceased her, as did brothers, Carlo, Alton, Joseph (Buster) and sisters, Katherine (Kate) and Joyce.
    Friends and family attended a graveside service 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, at Fairmount Cemetery Presque Isle, with Pastor Vaughn Martin officiating. A reception was held immediately following the burial at the Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle. Online condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com