SOUTH PORTLAND — Adelaide Elizabeth Luttrell, 97, of South Portland died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 after a brief illness.

She was born on May 6, 1916, the daughter of Mark J. and Anna Welch Flaherty. After her graduation from Cathedral High, she trained in Boston and then worked for Postal Telegraph in Portland until 1941. In later years, she also worked at Forestwood Nursery School.

In 1939, Adelaide married Eugene Luttrell, who was her sweetheart for 62 years until his death in 2000.

She was also predeceased by her sisters, Mary, Eileen, Dorothy, Helen, Rete and Agnes; her brother, Matt; and a great-grandchild.

She is survived by her five children, Peter, of Raynham, Mass, Paul of Rockland, Chuck of British Columbia, Sharon Jerome of Raymond and Sheila Holmes of Seabrook, N.H.; as well as 20 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Adelaide was a woman who loved well and was well loved. Every night, she named each family member in prayer right to the very youngest great-great-grandchild, and each of them loved her dearly. Her home was always full of friends who came to play cards, or to have a visit over a meal. Her phone rang often, and her most common phrase was: “Why don’t you come over?” Her faith was her cornerstone and she had been an active member at St. Patrick’s, Sacred Heart and St. John’s Church over the years.

Visiting hours were on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers were recited Wednesday at the chapel, followed by a 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough. Interment followed in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ctcrawford.com

In lieu of flowers, please give a hug to those you love and donate to the charity of one’s choice.