Elizabeth J. Steele    NEW GLOUCESTER --On Thursday, June 22, 2006, Elizabeth J. Steele, 77, with her family lovingly surrounding her, left peacefully for her heavenly home following a brief illness.      Born in Dexter, on Jan. 26, 1929, to Alice Rose Gero and Alcide Nadeau, she was an inspiring beacon of unwavering strength, hope, and love to all of those who knew her--especially her children and grandchildren. She dedicated her entire life to caring for children. First and always, as a devoted, selfless mother to her six children, and also as a preschool teacher for 27 years at the Head Start program on Bates Street in Lewiston. After retirement, she volunteered at Memorial Elementary School in New Gloucester.      She was a Gold Star Wife and an active member of the Lunn-Hunnewell Amvets Post 6 in New Gloucester. She held the positions of Americanism and Scholarship officers and worked many bean suppers and fundraisers.     She loved knitting, crocheting, and quilting. She often knit mittens and scarves for the underprivileged children she taught. She was always an avid reader, and loved gardening and bird watching.     She was married twice. Her first marriage was to Rodney M. Hathorne in April, 1944, and they raised six children. Her marriage to John Q. Steele on Oct. 19, 1973, marked the beginning of some of the happiest years of her life. They traveled extensively (her favorite destination was Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia), spent time with their grandchildren, and enjoyed a heartfelt companionship and love that endured John's passing in 1997.      She is survived by eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and six children, Rodney M. Hathorne Jr. and his wife Georgeanne of Litchfield, Bartello R. Hathorne and his wife Donna of New Gloucester, Nathaniel Hathorne and his wife     Donna of Minot, Theresa R. Hicks of Lisbon, Miriam M. Thibaudeau and her husband David of Auburn, and Stephen J. Hathorne and his life partner, Paul Cyr of Portland. One son, Daniel; two grandchildren, Seth and Roger; and her half sister Alice Barron, predecease her. She will be deeply missed by her cat Precious.     In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to:     New Gloucester Fire Department P.O. Box 82    New Gloucester, Maine 04260.     In accordance with her wishes, a private funeral is planned. Arrangements under the care of Wilson Funeral Home, Gray.     Elizabeth J. Steele