Elizabeth Arden Silsby

Ellsworth

Elizabeth Arden Backman Silsby, (94), went home to be with her Lord on September 12, 2024. She was born on March 9, 1930, in Cherryfield, Maine, the daughter of Mary Elizabeth (Haycock) Backman and Raymond Harris Backman. Her father, an electrician in Bangor, died in 1934. Her younger sister, Ethelyn Marie Backman, died in 1936.

Elizabeth started school in a one room schoolhouse in Prospect Harbor where her mother taught all eight grades. Elizabeth’s mother married Charles Colby Knowlton, MD of Ellsworth in 1937 and Elizabeth became his beloved daughter. Elizabeth graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1948. In high school she was elected to membership in the National Honor Society. Elizabeth also joined the Order of the Rainbow for Girls in Hampden and when the Ellsworth Assembly No. 9 was formed, she became its first Worthy Advisor. Elizabeth received her registered nursing diploma from the New England Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Boston in 1951. She was employed by the New England Baptist Hospital, then the Children’s Hospital in Boston and later returned to the New England Baptist Hospital as an assistant night supervisor. She later worked at the Eastern Maine General Hospital in Bangor.

She married James Allan Silsby of Bangor in 1953, and they had three children, James Allan Jr., Mary Ella and Raymond Samuel. They resided in Dedham, MA for seven years while her husband was employed by the U.S. Treasury Department. During that time, she was a highly active member of the PTA at her children’s school and enjoyed being a Camp Fire Girl leader for her daughter’s group. She taught a Sunday school class for several years and worked part-time in the ICU at the New England Baptist Hospital.

Elizabeth and her family returned to Ellsworth in 1967. She worked in her husband’s law office for a number of years as office manager. She was active in the Republican party during the years her husband was involved in local and state politics and served several years as a ballot clerk in Ellsworth. Elizabeth enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, knitting and reading. She and Jim enjoyed life at their home, Sisu Farm, in Ellsworth with their children and later with their grandchildren. They enjoyed traveling and had many adventures with their family. Elizabeth and Jim had many years of love and commitment in their marriage. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Elizabeth’s family was the foundation of her life.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, James Allan Silsby. She is survived by their three children and their families: Raymond S. Silsby and wife, Vasilike (Katsiaficas), and his daughters, Sarah S. Mondragon and family, and Rebecca E. Silsby and partner, Shawn McPhee. Mary S. Newman and sons, Robert M. Newman and Brandon P. Newman and family. James A. Silsby, Jr and wife Carol (Phippen) and sons James A Silsby, III and family and Charles R. Silsby. She is also survived by the mother of her granddaughters, Marilyn M. Starling. She was predeceased by her son-in-law Robert G. Newman, II.

A graveside service will be held for immediate family at Woodbine Cemetery with Pastor Robert Maddocks officiating. The family would like to thank the staff at Sylvia Ross Home and Beacon Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St. Ellsworth

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

Brought to you by Jordan-Fernald Funeral Homes

Elizabeth Arden Silsby

Ellsworth, Maine

March 9, 1930 - September 12, 2024

Brought to you by Jordan-Fernald Funeral Homes

Elizabeth Arden Silsby

Ellsworth, Maine

March 9, 1930 - September 12, 2024

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