WATERBORO — Erdine Louise Smith, 65, of Main Street in Waterboro, died at her home, with her loving family by her side, on Nov. 7, 2014.

Erdine fought a courageous battle with ovarian cancer; but was encouraged and comforted by her family and her pets.

Erdine was born in Waterboro on Feb. 12, 1949, the daughter of Sherlyn and Rhoda (Dumas) Westleigh.

Erdine was educated and raised in town, and she married her childhood sweetheart, Elias R. Smith Jr. on Oct. 14, 1967. She devoted her life to her husband and gave him three beautiful children, Elias III, Robert and June. Erdine was a strong family matriarch, who provided home-based childcare to many families throughout the 1980s. She maintained an “open door” policy and was nicknamed “Dr. Erdine” by the neighborhood kids. You were always welcomed at her home, well fed and nurtured in so many ways beyond measure.

Erdine loved to go camping with her family and was content to be with her husband, Elias, at the NASCAR races or going for a ride in his pickup truck. She did have one vice in life; she loved to shop at Walmart, Target or Kohl’s. Erdine could always find a bargain, and if she didn’t need it “just now” ”“ she would find a use for it. She was proud of her rose gardens around her home. Erdine was also an avid animal lover. She took great joy in loving her pets throughout the years. She was a lifetime member of the Animal Humane Society. She provided a forever home for her adopted pets.

Though Erdine was a private person, she was protective of her family and instilled good manners and values to her children. With the same commitment and love, Erdine’s family brought her home. She will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Elias Jr., on Sept. 19, 2013; and her infant son, Robert Lee Smith.

She is survived by: her son, Elias R. Smith III and his wife Diane; her daughter, June A. Poitras and husband Paul, all of Waterboro; her two brothers, Sherlyn Westleigh of Lyman and Arthur Westleigh of Maine; several nieces and nephews; and her brother- and sisters-in-law.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 6-8 p.m. at the Autumn Green Funeral Home, 47 Oak St. in Alfred. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014 at noon at the funeral home, followed by committal prayers and burial at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery, 83 Stanley Road in Springvale. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com. With Erdine’s love of animals, memorial donations may be made to your local animal shelter. The Autumn Green Funeral Home is respectfully handling arrangements.

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