Ellen M. Casale

Ellen Marcia (Wildfire) Casale, age 82 passed away peacefully Tuesday July 19, 2011 at her home surrounded by family after a long and brave battle with lung and heart disease.

She was born on April 28, 1929 the daughter of Emily Erickson and Carl Peterson in Bangor, Maine. She attended local schools and moved to Portland, Maine after graduating from high school. While working at a local tavern, she met and fell in love with Daniel J. Casale. They were married on October 24, 1954 for 56 wonderful years. Her life was spent as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her favorite hobbies included reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy and knitting. She would knit numerous pairs of mittens, baby sweaters and Afghans each year. It would take her less than a week to complete an Afghan. Most of her enjoyment came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved the holidays, especially Christmas. Her entire family would gather together to celebrate at her home each year. The menu always included Lasagna, Salad, Ham and Chocolate Cream Pie. In her later years she enjoyed going to get a cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts after supper with her husband. Friday night was often spent at their favorite restaurant, Cole Farms, where they enjoyed the excellent food always served by their favorite waitress, Jeannie. The favorite part of her meal was dessert, which she made sure to leave room for her favorite, Lemon Meringue Pie. She is survived by her daughters, Carol Casale, Pamela and her husband Roy Hanna, sons Carl (Denny) and his wife Sabrina and Daniel, II and his wife Kathleen. Her brothers Earl Peterson and Kenneth Whitney and his wife Muriel, her very special caring sister in law Anna Trivellin, several nieces, nephews, 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Daniel, who passed away five months prior on February 12th 2011, her son Joseph, her mother Emily Erickson, her father Carl Peterson, her brother, Carl Peterson Jr. who was killed in action at Okinawa and her sisters, Adele Moyles and Madaline Shaw.

Her family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Home Health Visiting Nurses, Marci, Barbara, and Cynthia along with her Physical Therapist, Cathy for the loving care she received during her illness, her Primary Care Physician, Catherine Crute, Maine Cardiology and Chest Medicine. The family would also like to thank a special woman whom they consider family, Denise Talbot for her loving care, support and generosity. She was our angel on earth sent to gracefully guide us all through this most difficult time.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Sunday, July 24th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Prayers will be recited on Monday July 25, 2011 at 9:15 at the funeral home to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal St. at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, So. Portland.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to share your thoughts, condolences and memories with the Casale family