Elsie was born on Oct. 19, 1945 at home in Newfield, the daughter of Lawrence H. and Elva (Reed) Sanborn. She grew up in Parsonsfield in a tight knit family with her siblings and graduated from Parsonsfield Seminary before receiving her Associates Degree from MacIntosh College, in Dover, New Hampshire.
Elsie began working at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and it was there she met her future husband, Neal Franklin. Their first date included candle pin bowling and from there it blossomed into a union that would lead to their wedding day, on Jan. 10, 1970. Neal worked hard at the Print Shop each day and Elsie was a stay-at-home mom for her two daughters, Christine and Janelle.
Elsie was the consummate baker and homemaker. She shared her many talents in the kitchen with her family making the BEST ginger cookies, her husband’s favorite, jumbo raisin cookies, Christmas candy, and her favorite chocolate fudge and peanut butter cookies. This was just one of the many ways she showed her love towards her family and became the infamous “Auntie E” to many of her nieces and nephews.
Elsie was spunky and a little spitfire. She possessed a generous spirit and volunteered many hours to the residents of the Newton Center in Sanford. Elsie helped the residents play their Beano games for over 10 years. She was also gifted in the fine art of crocheting; making beautiful heirlooms for her family and friends. Elsie loved being a member of the “Stitch-n-Bitch” crochet group that met each week in Kennebunk!
Elsie was truly in heaven when her grandson Evan was born. She watched him grow and mature into a fine young man. You could always find her rooting Evan on no matter the sports team he played with. He had his Mam’s heartstring and was known to get away with things that her own two daughters could never have gotten by her! Evan could do no wrong.
Elsie was first and foremost devoted to her family. She loved sharing the holidays with her family and visiting back-n-forth with her sisters. They possessed a bond that only grew stronger with each passing day. Her unconditional love and zest for life will be fondly cherished by her family and her many friends.
She is lovingly survived by her husband of 47 years, Neal Franklin of Waterboro; her two daughters, Christine Dunham of West Kennebunk and Janelle Pelletier of Waterboro; her grandson, Evan Osmer of Waterboro; her two brothers, Leslie Sanborn and wife Dori; and Raymond Sanborn and wife Debbie; and her two sisters, Frances Rancourt and husband John; and Bernice McManus; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents and by one brother, Roy Sanborn.
Family and friends are invited to share stories, memories and some of Elsie’s favorite foods on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Autumn Green Funeral Home, 47 Oak St., in Alfred.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com
In Elsie’s memory, please consider donating to the Newton Center’s Activity Fund, 35 July St., Sanford, ME 04073. She would be so happy to know that the residents could still enjoy their Beano games.
The Autumn Green Funeral Home is respectfully handling arrangements.
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