BAR MILLS- Beth went to bed on April 16, feeling fine and of good cheer. She passed
away during sleep that night.
Elizabeth Ann Canfield was born in Oklahoma City on February 20, 1936 to
Arthur and Alyse Canfield, but grew up in Somerville, New Jersey. After
high-school graduation, she chose Bates College in Lewiston and a major
in chemistry.
In her junior year she found the love of her life, John Mattor, also a
chemistry major, and they were married in the Bates chapel after her
graduation in 1958. Their marriage lasted 62 years, living in Bar Mills
on the Hollis side of the Saco River.
Beth was an avid out-doors adventurer and loved climbing mountains. Beth
and John climbed Mt. St. Helens in their honeymoon year, and later on
climbed Grand Teton, an arduous roped ascent.
She loved New Hampshire’s White Mountains and maintained the treacherous
Sphinx trail on Mt. Jefferson, as an AMC volunteer. The more something
was challenging and difficult, the more she loved it.
Always seeking something new, she became an avid gardener, converting
large areas of our Hollis estate into flower gardens.
Beth loved reading science fiction to the very end. She also became a
rather fine practitioner of Tai Chi.
She earned a teaching certificate and taught math at Bonny Eagle High for
many years in the 1970s and 1980s.
She is survived by her husband John. Beth was the mother of four fine sons: Brian, Nathan, Paul and Ethan, all
very successful. She is also survived by her sisters Sally Brown of
Ooltewah, Tennessee, and Linda Jackson of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.
A celebration of this most remarkable life is planned for sometime this
summer.
Beth requested that her earthly remains be cremated. Distribution of the
ashes will be a private family affair. Thanks to Beth, we have an
overabundance of flowers. If anyone wants to make a contribution in her
behalf, do so to a worthy charity of your own choosing.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, www.mainefuneral.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com