WATERVILLE - Elaine Wiles Joseph, 85, passed away Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010 at Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home surrounded by her family. She was born in Patten, Nov. 5, 1924, the daughter of Bert and Gertrude Wiles. As a young girl, she moved to Palmyra and then to Pittsfield.

She graduated from MCI in Pittsfield in 1944 and moved to Waterville to work as a bookkeeper at Joseph's market where she would then meet her future husband, Roy. Elaine and Roy were married in a double wedding ceremony with Roy's brother Peter and his wife, Pat, on Sept. 15, 1946. Together, they shared 63 years and raised five children. Elaine possessed a quick wit and dry sense of humor that affectionately earned her the name "Wiseguy" by her beloved husband.

Elaine enjoyed several hobbies in her lifetime. She had a great love of nature, including gardening, bird watching and camplife on Great Pond. Other hobbies included many sports, with her favorite being Red Sox baseball of which she was an avid fan. Elaine was a trophy candlepin bowler and was a member of several leagues. One of her greatest passions was volunteering at the Greater Waterville Area Food Bank where she served for many years.

She was predeceased by her husband, Roy; son, John Scott; parents, Gertrude and Bert Wiles; siblings, Ronald, Don, Rowena York, and Bernard.

She is survived by three sons: Daniel and his fiancée, Deb Chandler of Rome, Glen of Oakland, Kevin and his wife, Diane, of Oakland; daughter Jeanne Joseph Cook of Falmouth; daughter-in-law, Robin Thurber of Mercer; grandchildren Greg, Kati, Kyle, Chris and Philip and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Special thanks and gratitude to the wonderful staff on Loon Cove at Mount St. Joseph's Nursing Home for their loving care and devotion. Appreciation and thanks are also sent to Beacon Hospice for their ongoing support and care. (Morning Sentinel 9/7/2010)