Obituary: Annette M. (Thibodeault) McElhiney, Longtime Girl Scout Leader

Obituary from Campbell Funeral Home.

Annette M. (Thibodeault) McElhiney 78, formerly of Hamilton and Beverly, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2015.

Born and raised in Hamilton, she was the daughter of the late George and Annabelle (Foss) Thibodeault. She graduated from Hamilton High School and the Chandler Secretarial School of Boston and had been employed for many years at Hott Watt in Danvers.

In her free time, Annette enjoyed the outdoors, horseback riding, gardening, sitting on the beach, boating, camping and taking long drives in the mountains. She was a devoted Girl Scout leader for many years. Annette was a wonderful cook but also enjoyed dining out. She loved country fairs and liked drawing and doing arts and crafts. She spent quiet time at home, reading, writing poetry and doing crossword puzzles. She loved all animals, and had a special place in her heart for her cats, “Trouble” and “Cookie.” She also had a fondness for birds with cardinals and owls being her favorite.

Above all else however, Annette treasured time with her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend who will be missed by all who knew her.

Annette was a gentle soul with a kind heart and a strong spirit and when she “turned on her Thibodeault” she could be a pistol. Champion of the underdog, Annette was always generous, giving to those in need, despite not having much herself. She was a true sweetheart.

Surviving her are three daughters, Diane Joslin and her husband, Peter of Beverly, Cheryl West and her husband, Harry of Attleboro and Joni Lane and her husband, Chris Cook of Mason, NH, five grandchildren, Jennifer, Paul, Steve, Carl and Elizabeth, six great grandchildren, a sister, Sylvia Maione and her husband, Philip of Bath, ME, a brother, George Thibodeault of Parsonsfield, ME and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 7, at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Visiting hours will be from 9-11a.m., followed immediately by a memorial service. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will take place in the Hamilton Cemetery immediately following the memorial service. Contributions may be made in her memory to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970 or www.northeastanimalshelter.org. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com .