Elisabeth Bostwick

CAPE ELIZABETH – Elisabeth Bostwick, of Cape Elizabeth and Islamorada Fla., passed away at home at first light on May 23, 2026, surrounded by love.

She was born on April 7, 1963, in Newport News, Va., the daughter of Mildred Praus McCollum and John Vincent McCollum. At the age of 2, Elisabeth moved to Stony Brook, N.Y. Her childhood years were happy and filled with fond memories of her grandmother and family there, before moving to Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia. When Elisabeth returned to the United States she attended Miss Hall’s School and then continued her education at the University of Southern Maine. She eventually settled in Cape Elizabeth where she raised her five beloved children.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Elisabeth’s greatest joy was being the beloved “Mommola” to her family. She was adored by her children, Will, Joe, Charlie, Caroline, and Zack, whom she inspired with her zest for life, generosity, compassion, and unwavering love and strength.

In 2012, Elisabeth went on a blind date and met the love of her life, Teunis Van de Graaf. Their connection was immediate and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Side by side they traveled, fished, camped under the stars, biked, and even ran ultra marathon races together, always encouraging and energizing one another along the way.

They made each other a priority and lovingly blended their families and friendships while always making new friends wherever life took them. With one adventure leading to the next, they created a life rich in connection, happiness and obvious love.

An accomplished, dedicated and very determined athlete, Elisabeth was a familiar sight in Cape Elizabeth, running her daily 10-mile route. She was a long-time competitor in the Beach to Beacon 10K, frequently finishing at the top of her age bracket.

Professionally, Elisabeth was a highly successful real estate broker for over 35 years. She was the owner of Bostwick and Company Real Estate, a boutique firm in Cape Elizabeth. Known for her professionalism, keen sense of design, work ethic and infectious enthusiasm, she was deeply devoted to her clients, many of whom became lifelong friends.

In May 2024, Elisabeth was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. She and Teunis faced the challenges of the disease with extraordinary grace, courage and a continued determination to live life to the fullest every day. Her beautiful smile remained a constant throughout every appointment, while her resilience and mental toughness inspired the medical professionals and all who joined in her battle.

Elisabeth is survived by her partner, Teunis; her brother, Bobby (Ruth); her children, William Gendron (Stephanie), Joseph Gendron (Kira), Charlie Gendron, Caroline Brin, and Zack Bostwick (Cheyanne); her granddaughters Maya, Issabella, and Savannah; and her extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to her care team at Mass General Hospital, especially Dr Weeks, Bintu and Diane, as well as Southern Maine Hospice – especially Molly. Thank you too, Marge Dugan for your extraordinary care and compassion.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage St., South Portland. Burial will take place on Tuesday, June 2 at 11 a.m. in Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer.

To view Elisabeth’s memorial page or to leave an online condolence for the family please visit http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to “The Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer” at Dana Farber https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR?team_id=3535&fr_id=1200&pg=team