PORTLAND -- Ethelyn L. (Doughty) Sullivan, long time resident of Chebeague Island, passed away on March 19, 2012, with her family at her side.
She was born on Long Island, the daughter of Bernard W. and Mertie D. (Johnson) Doughty.
Ethelyn attended Long Island Schools. She was a CNA and worked at Maine Medical Center for more than 10 years and the Jewish Home in Portland for more than five years. She also worked several years with special needs children at Noyes Boarding Home in South Portland and worked at National Semi Conductor for several years.
In addition to her employment, Ethelyn volunteered much of her time to those who needed special care after becoming a resident of Chebeague Island over 40 years ago.
Ethelyn was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star, Maine Chapter.
She was predeceased by two children, Lori Gail Peterson and Pamela Leighton; and a brother, Neil Doughty and her husband, John J. Sullivan. Ethelyn is survived by her children, Kurtis Peterson of Washington, and Nyla Lilley and her husband Daniel of Portland; siblings, Lynwood Doughty of Florida, Janet Rich of Portland, Lynette Doughty of New Hampshire, Bobby Brayley and his wife Lauri, and Warren Brayley and his wife Connie, all of Long Island. She is also survived by grandchildren, Kristina Lilley, Nyla Howard, Sean Griffin, Kurtis Howard; and four great-grandchildren.
After moving into Portland three years ago to focus on her healthcare, Ethelyn found it comforting to know that while away from her home, her house and her animals would be taken care of by very special friends that must be mentioned, Florence Rich, Rod McCormich, David and Sandra Whiston and Patty Rich. Thank you all for your selflessness and your time.
Thanks to the very special staff at Beacon Hospice including Lisa Golden, Barbara Payson and Bill Griffin. Each of them became an extension of Ethelyn's family.
A memorial service will be held for both Ethylyn and John Sullivan at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2012, at Chebeague United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of AT Hutchins, LLC, Funeral & Cremation Services, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland. To offer words of condolence, sign a guest book and share memories, go to the obituary page www.athutchins.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Chebeague United
Methodist Church
258 North Rd.
Chebeague Island, Maine 04017
The ocean was my driveway
Casco Bay my front yard
Getting there was not always easy
Leaving there was real hard.
Island folk are different folk
Our hearts can't be
found on our sleeve
But can be felt by those we love
To have long after we leave...
Ethelyn L. Sullivan