Elaine Montpelier

FORT MYERS, FLA. — Elaine Richard Montpelier, 74, died on Sept. 4, 2014, in Fort Myers, Fla.

She was well-known in the Norway-South Paris area for her engagement in business, community and social activities.

Mrs. Montpelier was born on April 28, 1940, in Gorham, N.H., the daughter of Donaldo and Blanche Richard. As a small child, her family moved to South Paris. She graduated from Paris High School in 1958 and from St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing with a specialty in radiology in 1960.

In April of 1960, she married Peter Montpelier of Norway. Following graduation, she joined the staff of Stephens Memorial Hospital while her husband completed a tour of duty in the United States Air Force. After military service, Mr. Montpelier returned to start a long banking career, culminating with his retirement as president and chairman of Norway Savings Bank.

Elaine left the hospital in 1975, but remained a strong supporter of the Stephens Memorial Hospital, engaging in many fundraising activities for many years. She later served as vice president of the Norway Merchants Association, chairman of the group’s promotion committee, and was for a number of years co-chairman of the town’s annual Christmas parade.

In 1975, Elaine purchased the Block Store, a men’s and women’s apparel store that was an institution on Norway's Main Street. She later sold the store and embarked on a career as a sales representative with Bizier Real Estate of South Paris and as a partner with longtime friend Joan Moorehead in Antiques, Etc. The antiques collecting and sales activities made the partners well-known in their business throughout the northeastern United States.

Elaine’s loving husband of 54 years, Peter, recently passed away in Fort Myers on July 2, 2014.

Elaine is survived by her three children, Shelly Shibles of Waterford, Pamela of Fort Myers, Fla., and Richard of Washington, D.C.; seven grandchildren; and a brother, Raymond of Maine.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15, at Chandler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the First Congregational Church in South Paris with the Rev. Don Mayberry officiating. Condolences may be expressed at www.chandlerfunerals.com

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, and in honor of Elaine Montpelier, that you consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org, or to Stephens Memorial Hospital, wmhcc.org