Elsie G. (Gemmell) Locke

Elsie Gean (Gemmell) Locke passed peacefully from this world onto the next with her devoted husband and four children beside her at home on September 10, 2021, at the age of 90.

Born to James and Pearl (Martin) Gemmell on March 14, 1931, in Moe’s River, Quebec, Elsie moved with her family to Canaan, Vermont in 1942. A graduate of Canaan High School and Mount Ida Junior College, Elsie met and married the love of her life in 1952. She and her husband, Robert, came to reside in Caribou, Maine in 1955.

Her work ethic was unparalleled. She held a number of administrative positions at Cary Memorial Hospital, Lombard, Inc., Maine Bag Company, and L.B. Carter Heating and also volunteered her time as a cook at Teague Park School prior to her retirement.

Elsie loved spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals and baked goods. Constantly concerned with her family’s well-being, she always greeted then with welcoming arms, a warm cookie, and a “how was your day?” She taught by example, not by preaching, except on occasion when her children just weren’t listening. A life-long member of the Methodist church, she cherished her many years as a choir member and active congregant at Gray Memorial United Methodist Church.

Elsie is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Robert; a sister, Gladys; three daughters Lorelei , (Tim) Diana (David), and Amy (Steve); a son, Robert John (Sarah); four grandchildren, Benjamin, Keegan, Locke, and Winter; and two great-grandchildren, Locke and Cutter. Awaiting her in heaven are her parents and sister, Audrey.

Her family will honor her memory by taking the time to appreciate life’s simple pleasures – a homemade donut still warm from the fryer or a colorful hummingbird at a flower – and will forever carry with them her love and lessons.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church.  Please be mindful of others by practicing social distancing and wearing a face covering.

So that others may share in her love of faith-based music, Elsie requested donations be made to the music program at Gray Memorial United Methodist Church in lieu of flowers.