Obituary of Mary-Elizabeth Libby

EAST THORNDIKE -- Elizabeth "Gam" Libby, 96, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at her home in East Thorndike.Elizabeth was born in Ashland on Oct. 23, 1916, the daughter of the late Rufus and Pheby (Wilcox) Gardner.She was very active in her younger years. She worked as a homemaker, mother, and also worked for many years caring for and tending to the cemeteries in Thorndike. She had a great love of family, friends, her pets, flowers, music, crocheting and sewing. Her favorite day of the year was her birthday, known as "Gam Jam," when the family would gather together to celebrate her birthday and play music. Elizabeth had four children, Freeman Libby, Marie Brillard, Madeline Hotham and Clyde Libby. She not only raised her own family, but also several other children as well. Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents; her loving husband of 61 years, Guy Libby; her first born son, Freeman Libby; her daughter, Madeline Hotham; seven sisters and three brothers.She is survived by her daughter, Marie Brillard, of Thorndike; her son, Clyde Libby, of Waterville; seven grandchildren, Nathan Brillard, of Thorndike, Anthony Brillard, of Thorndike, Bridgette Cross, of Unity, Tracey Higgins, of Freedom, Allyson Lee, of Troy, Sharon Caldwell, of Stratton, and Douglas Ward, of Texas; 12 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and an 8-year-old pit bull named Drago.Visiting hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, at Unity College Center for the Performing Arts, 42 Depot St., Unity, where a funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19. Spring burial will be at Center Cemetery, Thorndike.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Thorndike Congregational Church, P.O. Box 51, Thorndike, ME 04986.An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield; 453-6049 or 800-660-2111.