Obituary of Eleanor B Grove

Belfast, Eleanor B. Grove, 93, passed away at home on September 5, 2010. She was born May 8, 1917 on the family farm “down on the avenue”, to Percy and Lillian (Bassett) Bradford. She attended area schools and on April 15, 1942, married Arthur “Mike” Grove. She began her professional career working for Woolworths Department Store, where she filled in as store manager during WWII. After the service men returned home and took over their previous positions, she went on to work for Merrill Trust Bank for a short time. One day the owner of Matthews Brothers asked her if she would like to be their bookkeeper and she worked for them for over 30 years. In fact, even after retiring, bookkeeping remained one of her favorite pastimes. A member of Easter Star for over 50 years, she was also a generous donator to many Belfast charities and fund drives. She was elected twice to serve as a school board member for MSAD #34 and was a member of the first school board for the Waldo County Technical Center. Eleanor was the oldest and longest member of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. She was an avid reader and knew the name of every dog in the neighborhood, and beyond. Beside her parents and eight older siblings, she was predeceased by her husband, Mike, of 49 years. She is survived by one daughter, Agnes “Jill” Harvey and her husband, Randall, of Lincolnville, their children Janet of Nashville, TN, Gregory and his wife, Jacqueline, of Largo, FL, Douglas and his wife Elizabeth, and his son Zachary of Palm Bay, FL; and one son Michael and his wife Jane Mason of Hallowell, her children Adam Stone of Augusta, Lacey Vassar of Topsham, Amy Finnen and her daughter Danielle of Topsham. Visitation for family and friends will be on September 16, 2010 from 4-6 pm at Crabiel Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast. A graveside memorial service will be held on September 17, 2010 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eleanor’s memory to Waldo County Home Health & Hospice, or any charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com. When recently asked if she believe in an afterlife, Eleanor stated, “I don’t know, but I’m curious to find out!”