Presque Isle, Maine - Alberta Elaine Ellis Hotham was born on a wintery evening December 27, 1929, in Castle Hill, Maine, the daughter of Phineas and Mildred (Chandler) Ellis. They say the first words spoken were 'Damn it Phin, it's another girl' and so began the life of a remarkable woman. One of her biggest pet peeves was long, drawn-out obituaries, so she took it upon herself to write her own:

"My name's Elaine Ellis Hotham and I just passed away

Didn't want it announced but it's expected they say.

I was born, I lived; people who knew me knew how I spent my days.

And those who didn't know me wouldn't care anyways.

My children were all special to me, I see no reason to list names for all to see.

They know who they are, so do friends and family.

As for me, I have lived so long, most people thought I had already passed on.

If I had a funeral who'd be left to attend; most folks my age are already gone.

Why list my age or the year I was born and when I died, was it night or morn.

And how many were at the bedside holding my hand as I passed over to the promised land.

They say it's necessary to have an obit, so I wrote it myself and this is it."

Elaine was predeceased by her husband, Eugene Hotham; and a son-in-law, Michael Craig; her son, Roderick Hotham, was lost to her in 1992. She is survived by her children, Daniel Hotham (Cathy), Regina Craig, Rod's wife, Tina Hotham, Stephanie Budreau (Stephen), Timothy Hotham (Tracey); and eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Special thanks to Victoria Grover, PA-C for the wonderful, personalized care and to our sister Regina, whose sacrifices granted Mom her final wish.

Mom worked hard, loved fiercely, always looked for the silver lining in every situation. Her children were her greatest accomplishment and her biggest joy. She loved each and every one equally and uniquely. We will forever be blessed to have had her presence in our lives and her legacy of wisdom, poetry, and words will live on through us until we meet her again.

Against her wishes, a graveside funeral will be held at Fairmont Cemetery in Presque Isle on Sunday, July 12, at 1 p.m. with the Reverend Luke Budreau officiating. A reception will be held immediately following at Duncan Graves Reception Room, 30 Church St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at: duncan-graves.com.