MACHIAS - Electa Esther (Sinford) Feeney, wife of the late Colin W. Feeney, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away Sept. 5, 2010, at her home, with her daughter by her side after a long illness. She was born June 14, 1915, in Roque Bluffs, the oldest of 10 children to David and Esther (Fish) Sinford. She attended the Roque Bluffs one-room school until age 13, and was given the opportunity to attend Nashua High School in New Hampshire. Returning to Maine after graduation, she attended and graduated from Washington State Normal School in 1935. Later she graduated from Washington State Teacher's College in 1953. She continued taking classes at University of Maine, Orono. She received her master's degree in education. She worked for Maine TB Association for many years. She taught schools in Clifton, Danforth and School Union 102. She loved her special education classes and had many fond memories. Upon retiring from teaching, she was employed with Machias Valley News Observer, the town of Machias, Revitalization Committee, Maine Wild Blueberry Factory and her sister, Gloria's ice cream takeout, which she enjoyed very much. She was a recipient of the Jefferson Award. She belonged to Federated Woman's clubs; general, state, local and was past president of District 7; Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, past research committee; Alpha Psi State, past president, Lambda Chapter; Delta Kappa Gamma; Maine Teacher's Association; Retired East Community Hospital Auxiliary; past director of Washington County Association for Mental Health; and member of Saint Aidan's Episcopal Church. She enjoyed traveling and made trips to Texas, Colorado, Maryland and Germany to visit her children. She traveled to Granada with her niece, Melanie Bridgham, and spoke often of the trip. She enjoyed golfing, cross-country skiing, spending time with family, cooking, even though she always said she didn't know how, reading and civic work. She is survived by her children, Rowena and Edward Higinbotham Sr. of Frederick, Md., Gordon Feeney of Northfield, Glen and Sandra Feeney of Jackman, and Alice and James Ackley Jr. of Machias, with whom she made her home with since 1987; 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. She loved them all so very much. She's also survived by one brother, Leon and Lucille Sinford; four sisters, Anne Schoppee, Jean "Peggy" and Donnie Grant, Lou Lorraine McCray and Mildred Lohr; brother-in-law, Ozias Bridgham; nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Carla Harmon; and friends, Ann Gaddis and Bonnie Feeney. She was predeceased by her husband and best friend, Colin W. Feeney, in 1980; son, Gregg Feeney; daughter, Carolyn Hatton; son-in-law, Malcolm Hatton; daughter-in-law, Nellie Feeney; brother, David Sinford Jr.; and sisters, Beatrice Norton, Gloria Bridgham and Grace Bucknam. A service of remembrance will be celebrated 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, 220 Court St., Machias, where a reception will be after the service. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent at www.bragdonkelley.com.