PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Elizabeth “Betty” Perkins, 79, of Presque Isle, died peacefully surrounded by family November 1, 2018, at a Presque Isle health care facility. Born January 12, 1939, the third daughter of Almon “Chip” and Elizabeth “Liz” Dodge, she enjoyed a carefree childhood growing up in downtown Easton with her siblings and extended family. She enjoyed reminiscing and sharing stories with friends and family about her escapades there.
She graduated from Easton High School in 1956 and met her future husband, Jasper K. Perkins. Married July 31, 1957, they went on to raise 5 children together.
Betty had an incredible work ethic and held a variety of jobs throughout her life, from picking potatoes with 4 small children to directing housekeeping services at The Northeastland Hotel. She remembered her time at First National Grocery most fondly, eating at The Potato House Restaurant and joining a bowling team with co-workers. Later in retirement, she and Jap enjoyed being snow birds in Myrtle Beach with her sisters and their spouses, and she continued visiting the area after his sudden passing in 2000.
But her true joy came in parenting and grand parenting. She was a great supporter of her grandchildren’s sporting events, bundling up for soccer and hockey games and enjoying the warm weather for softball and baseball. She always had an encouraging word or smile for them. To go to Grammy’s was to be spoiled – from snacks and drinks to a game of “Sorry” or whatever you wanted to watch on television. Always ready with a laugh, a joke, and a smile, she was a joy to be around. She will be sorely missed by all.
Betty was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Jasper; a daughter, Robin Hewitt; a brother, Doug Dodge; and a sister, Judy Day. She is survived by her children, John Perkins Sr. and his partner, Amy, of Idaho Falls, ID, Jeff Perkins and his wife, Karen, of Mapleton, Julie McHatten and her husband, Paul, of Castle Hill and Kerri Hammond and her husband, Dan, of Belgrade. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Troy Hewitt, of Old Orchard Beach, Tanya Mastro of Mapleton, John Perkins Jr. of Windham, Kelly Sheehan of Hermon, and Elizabeth, Myles and Jack Hammond of Belgrade. She has 9 great-grandchildren, Brittany Hewitt of Scarborough, Troy Hewitt Jr., of Old Orchard Beach, Teagan and Trent Mastro of Mapleton, Mackenzie Green of Waterville, and Olivia, Jase, Sawyer and Nolan Sheehan of Hermon.
The family would like to thank the entire staff of Presque Isle Rehab and Nursing Center for their years of care and loving support.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home on Saturday, November 10, 2018, with a reception to follow at the funeral home from noon-2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Almon “Chip” Dodge Memorial Scholarship Fund, Easton High School, 173 Center Road, Easton, ME 04740. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.duncan-graves.com.
