Elizabeth C. Denison

BRIDGTON – Elizabeth “Betty” C. Denison, 81, of Harrison, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011 with her family by her side.

Betty was born in Harrison on Feb. 8, 1930, the daughter of Finnish immigrants, John and Tyyne (Poikonen) Carlson. She married Philip H. Denison on May 26, 1956. She attended Harrison elementary schools and graduated from Bridgton Academy.

She worked at Crystal Lake Cottages as a young girl, then in Boston as a nanny prior to her marriage. She worked on the family farm and was a homemaker for the rest of her life. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She enjoyed camping, visiting places in Maine, bird watching, cooking and knitting. Phil and Betty also enjoyed a trip to Arizona after his retirement. Her shelter dog, Murray, provided special comfort for her in recent years.

She was active in the United Parish Church and was a member of the Harrison Historical Society.

She is survived by her husband; two sons, Hobie and wife Martha Denison, Michael Denison and fiancé Julie Mannix; four grandchildren, William Denison and Leah Haney, Philip J. Denison and Brandon Denison, all of Harrison, and Ronald Denison and fiancé Sarah Hayes of Poland. She has two great-grandchildren, Hunter Denison and Evelyn Hayes. She is also survived by a brother, J. Robert Carlson and his wife Barbara of Harrison; and two sisters, Mary and husband George Michelson of N.H., and Martha and husband Sam Olds of Calif.

She was predeceased by a brother, A. William and wife Mary Carlson of Harrison.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Betty’s memory to Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Rd., Fryeburg ME 04037. Arrangements under the care of Oxford Hills and Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Rte. 26, Oxford, ME 04270. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com