Anna W. Butler

BRUNSWICK: Anna Woodcock Butler, 90, formerly of Lisbon Falls, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Tuesday night at The Garden at The Mid Coast Senior Health Center in Brunswick. She was born in Randolph, ME on September 15, 1922, a daughter of Frank Harold and Alice (Kimball) Woodcock. She grew up in the Gardiner area and attended local schools there. She was a graduate of Gardiner High School, class of 1940. Following school, Anna met her first husband and resided in several states during the WWII era where she started her family prior to taking the long train trip home with her three young children in tow back to Gardiner, Maine. After returning Anna primarily worked locally for Lizotte Bros. Tailors and Cleaners for over 20 years. She helped them in many ways including customer service, pressing, and operational management. On November 8th, 1971, she married the late Edward N. Butler, Jr. in Gardiner after which they moved to Lisbon Falls to reside with Ed at his family's homestead on Free Street where they enjoyed many years together. Anna will always be remembered for her love of reading, dancing, gardening and dining out. She also enjoyed the few years that she was in the bowling league at Good Time Lanes in Lisbon Falls. Anna was very proud to have been the captain of her high school basketball team. She also took great pride in attending many of her children’s sporting events as they grew up. She is survived by her three children; Dale E. McElhaney and his wife Karen of Durham, ME, Diane Maurer and her husband Bob of Darien, CT, and Richard McElhaney and his companion Norma Gilley of West Gardiner. She also leaves behind 5 grandchildren; Colleen (Maurer) Hughes, Brendan and Brian Maurer, Jeremy Jursa and Elijah McElhaney and 7 great grandchildren. Anna cherished her many nephews, nieces and cousins, but her fondest memories were with Betty and Smiley Robbins who were there at the train station to meet her when she arrived back home in 1955, and were by her side right up until she passed away. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 38 years, Edward N. Butler Jr., two brothers John, Hartwell and his twin sister Emily. The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Thornton Hall and The Garden at the Mid Coast Senior Health Center as well as CHANS/Hospice for their loving, compassionate and professional care that Anna received during her stay. The staff provided the encouragement and counsel for Anna to come to peace with her illness and to get the most of her remaining days. You are invited to share your memories, condolences and fond memories of Anna by visiting her online guest book at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com

At her request there will only be a graveside service which will be held at a future date at Hillside Cemetery in Lisbon Falls. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a charitable contribution in Anna’s memory to Mid Coast Senior Health Center 58 Baribeau Drive Brunswick, ME 04011 or a charity of their choice. A service of Crosman Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 40 Main St. Lisbon Falls, 353-4951.