Ernestine Lillian Neale

Princeton – Ernestine Lillian Neale, 88, died peacefully on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Sunrise Care Facility in Jonesport. Ernestine was born in Baileyville on June 5, 1922, daughter of the late Ernest and Gladys (White) Leighton. She graduated from Woodland High School, Class of 1939, and attended a nursing program in Bangor. She married Kenneth C. Neale Sr. on June 7, 1941. Ernestine was a loving person. Her happiest moments were spent surrounded by family and friends. Among her joys were her grandchildren, family picnics, reunions, and Christmas Eve parties at “the farm”. She shared these festive occasions with the people she loved. Her devotion to her faith, husband, children and friends was absolute. Some of her “hobbies” included cooking, farming and gardening, making Christmas wreaths, writing, and logging in many air miles as co-pilot with her husband, Kenneth. Her gentle demeanor was a favorite among people as well as animals. Ernestine worked at numerous jobs to help support her family. Among her favorites were working with her husband as caretakers to an estate on Fisher’s Island, NY, as well as working at Ware Knitters in Calais. She also worked as a librarian assistant at the Princeton Public Library where her love for books and people brought her joy. Still the most important “job” for her was the role of mother to her five children; she did this with much love and devotion. Ernestine attended the Bethal Chapel in Talmadge and the People’s United Methodist Church in Baileyville. When her young children could not attend a Pentecostal church service in town, she transmitted her Christian faith to them by holding her own “Sunday School Service” in the living room of her beloved farm. In addition to her parents, Ernestine was predeceased by her loving husband of 67 years, Kenneth, on January 24, 2009; and her sister, Eleanor McClanaghan. Surviving are her five children, Tina Barzyk and her husband Michael of Bangor, Kenneth C. Neale Jr. and his wife Marie of Topsham, Stephen R. Neale of Baileyville, Cheryl Neale of Bangor, and Eleanor Martell and her husband Michael of Green Bay, WI; a brother Ernest Leighton and his wife Gloria of Baileyville; a sister Betty Gibbs of Baileyville; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Crowe of Methuen, MA, and Miriam Libby and her husband Eldon of Baileyville; nine grandchildren, Jeff Diadone and his wife Lori of Baileyville, Terry Diadone and his wife Lori of Princeton, Scott Neale and his wife Erin of Kennebunk, Ryan Neale of Gardiner and his companion Colleen Monroe of Cape Elizabeth, Troy Neale and his wife Jennifer of Bangor, Patti Wormell and her husband Peter of Manchester, Mark Neale and his wife Jennifer of Tiverton, RI, Corey Martell and his wife Tammy of Green Bay, WI, and Lucas Martell and his companion Kendall McFarlin of Green Bay, WI; 18 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and numerous dear friends. Ernestine will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her. She will always be remembered by her children as the most wonderful mom in the world. Visiting hours will be held 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais where a celebration of Ernestine’s life will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Tom Smith officiating. Entombment will follow in the South Princeton Cemetery. Following the graveside service, a time of fellowship will be held at the People’s United Methodist Church, 86 Summit St., Baileyville. Donations in Ernestine’s memory may be made to Princeton Public Library, PO Box 408, Princeton, ME 04668.