Elizabeth Harwood Eldredge

Wife of the late Kendrick Nickerson Eldredge, Elizabeth was a Chatham native by marriage. Beth was “imported” by Kendrick when they married in May 1966, and she became deeply rooted in the fabric of the Chatham community for the next 56 years.

Beth’s life centered around the importance of family, education, and church. Beth graduated from Bates College in 1966 with a degree in Psychology. She worked in the Chatham public school system in various tutoring and teacher’s aide positions, supporting children with special needs for 32 years. There, Beth would develop deep friendships that would last the rest of her life.

Beth was a constant presence within the town she loved. From supporting her sons’ childhood passions through Chatham and Lower Cape Youth Hockey, to volunteering for local organizations like Chatham Children’s Fund, Chatham Conservation Foundation and Nickerson Family Association, Beth was committed to preserving and fostering qualities that make Chatham a great place to raise a family.

She was an extremely engaged member at First Congregational Church of Chatham, with active participation in many areas: Diaconate ministry, usher, greeter, minister search committee, and more. She was an especially proud supporter of Dove Trees at Christmas, the Church’s annual Pumpkin Patch sale (both to benefit the Chatham Children’s Fund and church missions), and of course summer Tie Dye!

She is survived by her sons Kendrick “Rick” Nickerson Eldredge Jr. of Syracuse, NY and his former wife Heather Collins Eldredge, and Andrew Harwood Eldredge of Longwood, FL and his wife Jennifer Penni Eldredge; grandmother of Madison Collins Eldredge (Rick) and Lucas Clement Eldredge (Rick), Samantha Page Eldredge (Andrew), Caroline Flynn Eldredge (Andrew), and Charles Kendrick Eldredge (Andrew).

Elizabeth came from a large family, many of whom “followed her to the Cape.” Beth had seven siblings: Albert L. Harwood III of Wrentham, the late Kenneth M. Harwood of Warwick, David K. Harwood of Brewster, William B. Harwood of Brewster, the late Gordon D. Harwood of Harwich, Priscilla H. Karlgren of Carthage, Maine, and Jane H. Benson of Draper, Utah. Elizabeth is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She loved Maine - particularly Wayne, Maine - and the loons who frequented Lake Androscoggin. Her go-to vacation spot was the Harwood family camp, aptly named “The Wayne Hilton” due to the complicated process of reserving time made necessary by the large Harwood clan.

Rick and Andrew would like to thank the staff of both Seaside Home Care and Broad Reach Hospice for their compassionate care over the last six months.

A Memorial will be held in the late spring to celebrate Elizabeth’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Chatham Children’s Fund, 166 Depot Rd., Chatham, MA 02633 or the First Congregational Church of Chatham, 650 Main St., Chatham, MA 02633

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nickersonfhchatham.com