Penobscot
Mary Ellen “Cupe” (Bakeman) Gross died on March 19, 2021, at Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital. She was born on July 22, 1952, in Castine to Oliver “Gook” and Dorothy “Dot” Bakeman. She grew up in Cape Rosier. Cupe married the love of her life, Cordell, on March 15, 1969. They settled in Penobscot, where they raised three daughters.
Through the years, Cupe worked as a CNA at Penobscot Nursing Home and at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital. She worked for the town of Penobscot for 18 years as tax collector, treasurer, clerk and administrative assistant until she was diagnosed with cancer in 2015. It was a job she loved and was sad to leave.
Cupe loved to crochet, quilt and knit and was an avid reader. She enjoyed going on adventures with her sister “Crisco.” She was predeceased by her parents, her husband’s parents, her beloved niece Kristen and brother-in-law Sheldon.
She will be dearly missed by her husband of 52 years, Cordell Gross, daughters Gail and husband, Peter Grant, Molly Varnum and partner Scott, Annie and husband, Keith Tilsley, grandchildren Ethan Grant and fiancée Katrinia, Dori and husband, Christian Goddard, LeeAnn Varnum, Adam, Ella and Lacey Tilsley, siblings Frank Bakeman, Robert Bakeman and wife, Helen, Elaine Murak, Elizabeth and husband, Robert Herrick, and David Bakeman, special niece Sara and many other nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Alta Gross and brothers-in-law David and Mark Gross.
Special thanks from Cupe’s family go out to the many townspeople, friends and caregivers who have given so much love and support over the years. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Penobscot Volunteer Fire Department at 46 North Penobscot Road, Penobscot, ME 04476 or Governor Brooks Lodge of Brooksville at 1644 Coastal Road, Brooksville, ME 04617. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.