Elaine Cannell

Elaine Louise Blaisdell Cannell, age 96, died peacefully December 4, 2022 at the Redington Memorial Home in Skowhegan, Maine. Elaine was born in Skowhegan, Maine on August 7, 1926, the daughter of Elmer and Gladys Jepson Blaisdell.

A graduate of Skowhegan High School as co-valedictorian of the class of 1943, she attended Massachusetts General Hospital and received her RN degree in 1947. She worked at the Baker Memorial Hospital as assistant head nurse and on the surgical floor as head nurse. Elaine was a registered nurse in both Maine and Massachusetts.

Elaine married George Cannell on September 5, 1949. Elaine and George moved to Skowhegan in 1954 and in 1957 Elaine became the school nurse for MSAD #54. She retired in 1975 and worked at her husband’s side at George’s Banana Stand until 1993. She was past president of the Semper Fidelis Club, received the DAR award, was a member of Eastern Star and Delta Kappa Gamma Society. She received the Skowhegan Chamber of Commerce award in 1971. Elaine was a member of Lakewood Golf Club and Cypresswood Golf and Country Club in Winter Haven, Florida. Elaine and George spent 22 winters in Winter Haven, Florida and have many friends in that area.

Elaine is survived by daughter Linda and husband Edward Bleile of Wiscasset and daughter Cindy Cannell of Augusta. She has three grandchildren Eric and wife Tara Bleile of Weston, CT, Steven and wife KC Bleile of Richmond, VA and Lindsay Lee Watts of Augusta. Also great grandsons, Max and Sebastian Bleile of Richmond, VA and Casen and Brayden Bleile of Weston, CT. There are also several nieces and nephews.

Elaine was predeceased by her husband George, her parents, her brothers Durwood and Walter and sister Reta. Elaine enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends both in Maine and Florida. A special thank you to the Wednesday Warriors for their everlasting friendship and to her “Hand and Foot” card-playing friends.

Those who knew Elaine can remember her in their own hearts and in their own ways. Elaine has requested a private graveside burial at a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart and Edwards Funeral, please visit www.SmartandEdwardsFH.com to share your condolences and memories with Elaine’s family.