OTIS – Hilda J. Salisbury, 89, took her final journey and left this Earth at dawn on the first day of spring, March 20, 2017, at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital. During her final days and hours she was surrounded by her loving family. She was our strength, the matriarch and cornerstone of our family. A talented artist, avid gardener, devoted mother, amazing grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend.
Born in Portland, Maine, on Oct. 29, 1927, the middle child of Chester E. Thompson and Faye Soule. Predeceased by her husband, Irving L. Salisbury Jr., son Barry W. Salisbury, daughter Laurie G. Dyer and special friend Sherman Grant. Survived by children, Lynn J. Salisbury, Lisa S. Whitegiver, Gary Jon Salisbury and Irving L. Salisbury III. Along with eight loving grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Heaven must be a beautiful place right now because they have her. Our hearts are heavy, our grief profound, but we are glad she is at peace; she had so many waiting on the other side to greet her. We are so grateful to have a lifetime of memories, her beautiful smile, sense of humor, amazing wit, strong will, strength and immensely loving nature. She was truly an incredible woman, and will forever be deeply missed.
When you lose a loved one, you are told to focus on the good memories and not the sadness of the loss. This can be a difficult task, but it is made slightly easier when the good memories are so plentiful. Memories of summer days playing in her garden, or wandering through the blueberry field. Memories of painting, crafting, crossword puzzles, and Scrabble. Despite the deaths of two children, and losing the love of her life twice, she never lost her impossibly positive and cheerful attitude. Always greeting people with a warm smile and a laugh that infected everyone around her. She loved barbecues, family parties and always cherished our holiday gatherings. The world will be a bit darker without her shining light in it.
A brief service will be held at the Otis Baptist Church immediately followed by a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday, April 1, at 1 p.m. “Plantable” spring garden flowers are welcome or donations may be made to the Otis Baptist Church, 9 Church Lane, Otis, ME 04605.
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