STOCKTON SPRINGS - Elizabeth Ann (Nitsch) Hare passed away peacefully March 11, 2012, with her loving family at her side. Betty was born Jan. 27, 1934, in Baltimore, the oldest child of Dr. Charles A. Nitsch and Elizabeth L. Nitsch. Betty was a member of the 100th graduating class of Mount de Sales Academy and shortly after graduation married Murrell E. Hare, July 12, 1952. They raised three children, bred and trained bassets and bloodhounds, and ran a successful antique business before moving to Maine in 1979. After relocating their antique shop in Searsport, Betty assisted her husband in establishing Hare Auctions, a three-generation family run business. In addition, Betty had been a faithful communicant at St. Vincent de Paul's Church, St. Francis of Asissi and St. Gabriel's. She was actively involved with Mount de Sales Parents Club and the Alumnae Association. For many years she belonged to Searsport Lioness Club, where she initiated the famed German Supper benefits, and also participated in the activities of Waldo County General Hospital Aid. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Murrell; and her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Ann Nitsch. She is survived by her brother, Charles R. Nitsch of Baltimore; three loving children and their spouses, Lisa Hare-Whitney, Chas and Mia Hare, and Mary Hare and Charlie Chase; three grandchildren, C.J. Hare, Audra Whitney and companion, Forrest Brown, and Amanda Whitney Cowan and husband, Patrick; two great-grandsons, Wyatt and Brent Cowan; three nieces, Mary Elizabeth Nitsch, Amy Nitsch Costello and Karen Long; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Vermolen and husband, Wimolen; as well as seven very special granddogs. Throughout her life Betty enjoyed the companionship of many dear friends. A Mass celebrating Betty's life will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, March 15, at St. Vincent de Paul's Catholic Church, Stella Maris Parish, by the Rev. Robert Vaillancourt and concelebrated by the Rev. Bruce Siket. A time of fellowship and refreshments will be afterward in the church hall. Interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stockton Springs Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 339, Stockton Springs, ME 04981. Arrangements are under the direction of Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com.