Elizabeth H. Achorn

AUBURN: Elizabeth (Betty Huff Achorn), 88, of Auburn passed away peacefully on Wednesday February 15, 2017 at Clover Manor in Auburn with her loving family by her side. She was born in Augusta, ME on September 26, 1928 to Lena (Gidney) and Philip A. Huff. She attended Augusta schools graduating from Cony High School in 1946. Maine Central Railroad employed her after graduation. It was during this time that she met her husband, Richard (Dick) Achorn. After a whirlwind courtship they were married on May 7, 1950 by the pastor of Penny Memorial Church. Their family increased with the arrival of daughter, Anne followed by their son, Edward, and their daughter, Mary Ellen.

When Dick was promoted from Station Agent in Hallowell to General Agent in Lewiston, it meant a move to Auburn where they resided for nearly 60 years. As the children grew older, Betty returned to work. She first worked for Bates professor Harry Rowe then moved on to the Dunlap Agency, Auburn Renewal Authority, and finally the Auburn Post Office as administrative assistant to the MSC Manager / Postmaster, finally retiring in 1987.

During their years in Auburn, Betty and Dick were active in the United Baptist Church in Lewiston. She was also a Girl Scout Leader, a member of Rotary Anns and a Sunday school teacher. She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed working on her many craft projects. Betty also enjoyed cooking and won an award at the Lobster Festival cooking contest for her Coquille St. Jacques. She also loved the many family camping trips to Bar Harbor and the Maritime Provinces.

Once they were retired Dick and Betty spent eleven wonderful years traveling across the United States and Canada in their RV, bringing much happiness to their retirement years. Trips to England, Germany and Bermuda were also treasured memories.

Health issues resulted in a move to Clover Living Center in 2013 where she developed many friendships. Dick died at the Hospice House in Auburn in February of 2016.

Betty is survived by one brother, Philip Huff and his wife Betty of Augusta; daughter Anne and her husband Don Pietroski of Thomaston; son Edward Achorn and wife Mary Lou of Minot; daughter Mary Ellen and husband Michael Harvey of Muncie, IN; four grandchildren: Matthew Pietroski of Thomaston, ME; Kara Pietroski and her husband Jake Hall of Columbia, TN; Melissa Selby and her husband Jabin Selby of New Gloucester, ME and Kristen Harvey and husband Mike Echalk of Concord, NH and two great grandchildren, Kaleb Pietroski and Elliana Selby.

Betty died with wonderful memories of good times spent with her loving family and with thanks for the loving care from the staff at Clover Assisted Living Center and Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice.

Online condolences may be shared with Betty’s family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

FUNERAL NOTICE:

ACHORN---Elizabeth H., 88, of Auburn died Wednesday February 15, 2017. Per Betty’s wishes, there will be not be a service at this time. She will be interred at a later date at Achorn Cemetery in Rockland, ME. Those wishing, in lieu of flowers, may make a charitable contribution in her memory to either Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice 15 Strawberry Ave. Lewiston, ME 04240, Clover Living Center 440 Minot Ave. Auburn, ME 04210 or The National Kidney Foundation of New England 85 Astor Ave Suite 2 Norwood, MA 02062-5040. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group \ Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545.