Neila A. Nelke

Neila A. Nelke 1940-2022 Lewiston – Neila A. Nelke, a resident of Lewiston passed away peacefully at Androscoggin Hospice House on Friday October 21, 2022, with her family by her side. She was born in Livermore, ME. on November 30, 1940, the daughter of Neil Urban Nelke and Rena Gloria Chicoine. In her early adult years, Neila worked at local businesses including shoe shops where she met her lifelong friend Aldea Beaudette (Lacombe). Through Aldea, she was introduced to her “adopted family”, to include Aldea’s husband Bert Lacombe, sons David Dubord, Roland Lacombe and Michael Lacombe and daughters Anna (Dubord) Faunce and Rita (Lacombe) Heller. Neila enjoyed bowling and had a strong passion for golf. She started her long golf career as a member of Apple Valley Golf Course in Lewiston, then at Fairlawn Golf Course in Poland and ended her golf journey as a longtime member and “legend” at Martindale Country Club. Neila was very active in the Maine State Women’s Golf Association and won several Club Championships. Neila especially loved mentoring young golfers getting into the game she so dearly loved, even though she claimed to “hate children”. Neila recorded at least two Hole in Ones and possibly more, as she could not see where the ball went most of the time. Neila developed many lifelong friendships throughout her golfing journey and cherished each one of them and the memories they provided her. Neila is survived by her sisters Darrah Osgood of New York and Brenda Yeaton of Michigan, along with many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her “adopted family” members Michael Lacombe and wife Linda, David Dubord and wife Nancy, Roland Lacombe and wife Brenda, and Anna Faunce and husband Gordon, along with all their children and grandchildren. Besides her parents, Neila was predeceased by her brother Frank and sister Starr as well as “adopted family” members Aldea, Bert, Amanda and Rita. Special thanks to the medical staff of Central Maine Medical Center, Androscoggin Hospice House staff, Melissa Johnson (Friend), Karen Richardson (friend), Darleen Miller (friend and doctor), and all other friends who showed her love and support in her final days. There will be a dedication Bench for Neila placed at Martindale in the Spring. Those wishing to donate for the Bench can contact Linda Lacombe-email: lmlacombe@msn.com for payment information. In lieu of the bench, donations can also be made to the SPCA, as Neila was an animal lover!