Elvie G. Peterson Trouvalis Swan

DATELINE: Portland:

Elvie G. Peterson Trouvalis Swan, 96, passed away on October 15, 2012 at the Barron Center where she resided for the past 2 years.

She was born in Portland on December 13, 1915, one of 10 children of David A. Peterson and Matilda (Adler) Peterson.

Elvie attended Portland schools thru the 8th grade and then left school to help support her family. While working as a waitress at the Splendid Restaurant in Portland, owned by John “Jack” Trouvalis, she met her husband-to-be George Trouvalis, one of Jacks brothers. George, a baker, owned and operated The Supreme Bakery, now Reo Window Shade Co. at Woodford’s corner. They were soon married. Her husband taught her baking at which she excelled. In order to please him she took Greek lessons and became fluent in the language. Greeks were amazed at how well she spoke Greek. Upon the death of his brother, Jack, George sold the bakery and took over ownership & operation of the Splendid. A few years later George suddenly died. Elvie, 27, with 2 young children, George (5) and Sophia (2) and pregnant with her 2nd daughter, Georgette, took over the business functioning as bookkeeper, baker and general manager. She became known as “Mrs. T” and the Splendid became known for its wonderful pies and pastries.

Four years later at the age of 31, Elvie was told she only had a few years to live because of a kidney condition. She had one kidney which never developed and the functioning kidney was diseased and soon would no longer function. Thinking she had only a short time left and wanting to spend as much time as she could with her children she took in partners, Arthur and Shirley Hawkes

Whether a misdiagnosis or a miracle Elvie‘s functioning kidney continued to fail but the other one developed fully and in 1962 the diseased kidney was removed and she lived on for another 50 years.

Her son, C.G. “Nick” Trouvalis, remembers her generosity, not only to her family but to strangers. At Christmas time she and her children would visit families in need, presenting them with presents. Summers at the Trouvalis camp named “Splendid View” on Panther Pond in Raymond, were always looked forward to. Elvie loved to play horseshoes, swim and water ski. And could she do handstands and cartwheels!!

While still in the restaurant business, in the early 60’s she and daughter Sophia owned and operated the Pride Motel & Cottages on Route 1 in Scarborough. In the mid 70’s she and her partners sold the restaurant and retired.

After 35 years as a widow Elvie again found love and married Ernest “Ernie” Swan of Westbrook. They lived on June Street in Portland for almost 20 years, during which time Elvie became a very good pool player. For the last 5 years of Ernie’s life, Elvie cared for him day and night after he had suffered a stroke.

Elvie was the last of the 10 Peterson children. Predeceasing her were her sisters: Adelaide Anthony, Louwine Woodbury and Irene Fletcher, brothers; Burton, David, Earle, Elmer “Pete”, Kenneth and Roy Peterson, her 2 husbands and her 2 daughters Sophia Morris and Georgette Christoforakis. She is survived by her son C. G. “Nick” Trouvalis and his wife Anna, several grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-Grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation Wednesday October 17, 2012 from 6 to 8pm with Trisagion at 7:00 P.M. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. Funeral services will be held Thursday at the funeral home at 11am with Rev. Constantine Saranditis officiating. Interment will follow at Forest City Cemetery, So. Portland, Me. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 133 Pleasant St, Portland, Me. 04101. For further information and to sign Elvie’s guestbook please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff on 3 North at the Barron Center for the excellent care they provided to Elvie.