Elizabeth “Betty” Hollis Samay, just shy of 97, of Lewiston passed away on Thursday July 15th after a short illness caused by the stroke she had when she heard that Joe Biden was the president elect. Betty graduated from Edward Little High School, Class of 1943. She then attended business school. When WWII started, Betty enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in New York City. There she met her future husband (also in the Navy) Frank “Sammy” Samay of Amsterdam, OH, while he was on leave. Betty and Sam were married June 26, 1948.
Betty was the bookkeeper for and partner with her husband in Maine Auto Radiator Manufacturing. Building the company was their dream, which they accomplished together. Their business has operated successfully in Lewiston for over 70 years. Betty was also a stay at home mom, raising four wonderful children. Betty provided her family with the unconditional love, unwavering strength and wisdom to make it through this crazy life’s “ups and downs”. Betty’s home was a haven for many who needed shelter and a temporary ‘Mom’. She was extremely sensitive towards the needs of family and friends, going out of her way to make their lives a little brighter. She was also a sucker for any stray animal her kids brought home.
Betty loved to dance. Her favorite song “Cocaine” by Eric Clapton always got her and Sammy dancing. Another favorite was “When the Saints Come Marching In”. She learned to ski when she was 60 years old, skiing Saddleback until she was 90. She loved Rangeley with its kind friendly people and the solitude of fishing at her camp at Seboomook on Moosehead Lake. Betty loved and was worshiped by her cat, Puffy, named after her favorite birds “puffins”. The beach was also a favorite: Reid State Park for day trips, longer stays at the Friendship Motel in OOB in September. She loved Donald Trump, Paul LePage, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News.
Betty was a WWII veteran and a patriot. She loved the United States of America. She believed in hard work and independence. She supported herself for 96+ years, never asking anything of the VA. When she needed help, after 6 months of getting the “run around”, the VA offered to provide her with a stranger to give her a bath once a week. Those who fought to protect our freedoms deserve our respect not to be treated like she was.
Betty is survived by her son Frank, and his wife Pam; daughters Linda Colwell and Dee Dee and husband Don Miller; heart daughter Judy and husband Dennis Morgan; Grand Children: Alexa and Anthony Samay, Alec Colwell, Renae Samay and Nash Samay-Houle; Great-granddaughter Viera Samay. Nephew Rick Hollis. Niece Paula Sydenstricker and wife Coleen Malloy. Son-in-law: Marcel Houle. The very best neighbors on earth: Leo and Lil Ayotte and Elizabeth Herrick. Loyal friend for over 70 years: Theresa St. Pierre. The best caregivers ever: Lena Couture, Darcy and Carly Labonte and Elite Homecare’s Kym Foster and Ally Sayler. You are all family to us. Betty could not have accomplished her final dream of staying in her home if not for the loving kindness you all showed her. Dr. John Reeder who helped her to maintain an active life. Last but not least, the people of Maine Radiator to whom she was always thankful for their part in making her and Sam’s dream a reality.
Betty’s son-in-law Barry Colwell 67 of San Diego preceded her in death by a few hours. She was also preceded in death by her youngest daughter Mary Ann 2007; husband “Sammy” 2010; brother Henry Hollis; sister Ramona Sydenstricker Houser; mother Lona Porter Hollis of Andover, ME; father Henry Hollis Sr., of Harpoot Armenia, cousin Zevart Hollisian of Watertown, MA, Aunt Mary Turner of West Peru, ME and best friend Pauline Turmenne.
A celebration of life will be held at the Ramada Inn on Sunday September 19th between 12:30 and 3:30. Casual attire.
Donations can be made to Paul LePage’s reelection campaign, A Paw in the Door of Bath Maine, or Shriner’s Hospital.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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