Elizabeth "Gam" Libby Obituary (1916 - 2013)

EAST THORNDIKE, MAINE— Elizabeth “Gam” Libby, 96, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on Sunday, January 13, 2013, at her home in East Thorndike, Maine. Elizabeth was born in Ashland, Maine on October 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, Maine. 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, Maine; her son, Clyde Libby of Waterville, Maine; seven grandchildren, Nathan Brillard of Thorndike, Maine, Anthony Brillard of Thorndike, Maine, Bridgette Cross of Unity, Maine, Tracey Higgins of Freedom, Maine, Allyson Lee of Troy, Maine, Sharon Caldwell of Stratton, Maine, and Douglas Ward of Texas; 12 great grandchildren; 14 great great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and an eight year old Pitbull named Drago. Visiting hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 18 at Unity Centre for the Performing Arts, 42 Depot St., Unity, Maine, where a funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 19. Spring burial will be at Center Cemetery, Thorndike, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Thorndike Congregational Church, P.O. Box 51, Thorndike, ME 04986