HOLLIS- Alva D. Smith, age 91, passed away on Aug. 31, 2018.
She was born in Hollis on May 2, 1927, a daughter of Byron P. and Vesta Weymouth Dodge. Through hard work and determination Alva obtained her Bachelor’s Degree at Gorham State Teachers College, known today as USM.
Alva was very proud to be a teacher. Upon graduation she taught at Hollis Center Grammar School. She then taught at the Mc Daniel School, a one room school house in Hollis for several years. Alva taught in Limington and found her teaching home in Waterboro, where she taught first grade for 27 years.
Over the years she was involved with the Bear Hill Church and was excited about efforts to preserve the building. She was also involved with the Maine Pony Teamsters, Hollis Honkers, the Hollis Grange and the Sunshine Club.
Alva enjoyed swimming, her vegetable and flower gardens, parades, fairs, pony shows, and vacationing in St. Croix.
She is predeceased by her son- Steven E. Smith of a Lobster boat accident in 2006; her grandson- Lance E. Smith in 2007; and all of her siblings- Byron Dodge, Jeannette Tarbox, Florence Townsend, Eileen Barnes, Donald Dodge, and Doreen Roberts.
Alva is survived by her beloved husband- Elton “Bud” Smith of 70 years; her children- Sheryl J. Smith, Simone L. Palmer of St. Croix, and Karen S. Murray of Hollis; granddaughter- Mistyn M. Palmer; great grandchildren- Jacob Murray and Emily Palmer; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday Sept. 5 at 10 AM at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Pleasant Hill Road in Hollis. Following the funeral, there will be a reception at the church, followed by a burial service at Meeting House Hill Cemetery in Hollis.
Arrangements are with Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Bear Hill Baptist Church Preservation Group, c/o Maxine McLaughlin, PO Box 357, Hollis, Maine 04042.