Obituary of Elizabeth Ann Hare

STOCKTON SPRINGS - Elizabeth Ann (Nitsch) Hare passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side on March 11, 2012. Betty was born on January 27, 1934 in Baltimore, Maryland, the oldest child of Dr. Charles A. Nitsch and Elizabeth L. Nitsch. Betty was a member of the 100th graduating class of Mount de Sales Academy, and shortly after graduation married Murrell E. Hare on July 12, 1952. They raised three children, bred and trained bassets and bloodhounds, and ran a successful antique business before moving to Maine in 1979. After re-locating their antique shop in Searsport, Betty assisted her husband in establishing Hare Auctions, a three generation family run business. In addition, Betty had been a faithful communicant at St. Vincent de Paul’s Church, St. Francis of Asissi, and St. Gabriel’s. She was actively involved with the Mount de Sales Parents Club and the Alumnae Association. For many years she belonged to the Searsport Lioness Club, where she initiated the famed German Supper benefits, and also participated in the activities of the Waldo County General Hospital Aid. She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Murrell, and her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Ann Nitsch. She is survived by her brother, Charles R. Nitsch of Baltimore,; three loving children and their spouses: Lisa Hare-Whitney, Chas and Mia Hare, Mary Hare and Charlie Chase; 3 grandchildren: C.J. Hare, Audra Whitney and companion, Forrest Brown, Amanda Whitney Cowan and husband, Patrick; two great-grandsons: Wyatt and Brent Cowan; three nieces: Mary Elizabeth Nitsch, Amy Nitsch Costello, and Karen Long: one sister-in-law Dorothy Vermolen and husband Wimolen; as well as seven very special grand dogs. Throughout her life Betty enjoyed the companionship of many dear friends. A mass celebrating Betty’s life will be celebrated by Rev. Robert Vaillancourt and con-celebrated by Rev Bruce Siket at St. Vincent de Paul’s Catholic Church~Stella Maris Parish, on Thursday, March 15th at 11:00 a.m. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow in the church hall. Interment will be at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stockton Springs Ambulance Service, PO Box 339, Stockton Springs, Maine 04981.