Edith DeMille

SOUTH PORTLAND — Edith G. DeMille, 89, of South Portland, passed away quietly on Saturday, March 8, 2014, surrounded by her loving family.

Edith was born on April 27, 1924, to the late Thomas Bedford Gallupe and Laurena Mae (Hawksley) Gallupe in the town of Bridgewater. She was educated in county schools and graduated in 1942 from Aroostook Central Institute, now Aroostook High School. She was the youngest of 16 children.

Edith met the love of her life in Portland and they were married on Feb. 12, 1948. They recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. She worked as the executive secretary to the general manager of WPOR radio for 17 years, retiring in 1989. She and her husband, Bill, spent the next 18 years motor coaching across the country and wintering in Arizona and Florida.

Edie would never go anywhere without her camera always making sure she had plenty of pictures of her many family members. She was always more concerned about the welfare of others than herself and treated everyone who crossed her threshold as family. She always made sure they had plenty to eat before leaving.

Everyone who met her fell in love with her sweet smile and her compassionate and loving nature. She is sadly missed by all who knew her.

Edith is survived by her loving husband, Bill DeMille of South Portland; her daughter, Patricia Small of Casco; her sons, Billy DeMille of Nebo, N.C. and Jeff DeMille of Windham; her sister, Vivian Knowles of Keene, N.H.; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a large extended family.

A memorial service and celebration of life were held on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at A.T. Hutchins, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland.