WALDO — Alcyone L. Cross, 81, passed away on Nov. 30, 2016, after a courageous and inspiring 15-year battle with cancer. She was born Sept. 1, 1935, the fourth child of Virgil and Geneva Littlefield of Waldo.

Alcyone grew up on the family farm and helped care for her younger brothers and sisters. She was an outstanding student and graduated in the top tier of her class from Crosby High School. On July 14, 1954, she married the love of her life, Arthur Cross, and together they shared 62 years of love and companionship at their home in Waldo.

Alcyone loved people and enjoyed her work as an Avon representative and clerk for the Town of Waldo. Her door was open at any hour for a visit, and her warm personality and cooking skills invited many people to visit and share in her love. She was proud to later turn her skills into a career as the culinary arts instructor at Waldo Regional Vocational Center, where she continued to have a positive impact on the lives of many students and fellow teachers. Alcyone and Arthur cultivated beautiful gardens at their home in Waldo, and people from all over New England enjoyed their annual bountiful harvest of delicious raspberries.

Alcyone's greatest love was her family. She and Arthur raised four boys, of whom she was extremely proud. Mom taught her sons how to hunt and fish, cook and sew, and most importantly how to love and give to others. That legacy continues with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Alcyone is survived by her beloved husband, Arthur Cross Sr.; and her four sons and their wives, Arthur Jr. and Catherine Cross of Knox, Randal Cross of Bucksport, Dale and Stephanie Cross of Morrill, and Donald and Laurie Cross of Morrill. Gram leaves wonderful memories with 10 grandchildren and their spouses, Shannon and Timothy Sommer, Caryn and Christopher Coleman, Cheyenne and Ryan Lister, Aaron and Cassie Cross, Jason Cross, Caitlin and Richard May, Ashleigh Cross, Whitney Cross, Andrew Cross and Lindsey Cross. Her precious great-grandbabies include Siena Sommer, Camilla Coleman, Quinn Coleman, Elena Sommer, Charlotte Cross, Emery Lister, Olivia Sommer, Grace Cross, Stella Lister and Caleb Cross. Alcyone, which means "bright, shining star," has many stars who will carry on her love, warmth, courage and positivity.

Alcyone was extremely close to her brothers and sisters and their spouses. She is survived by Virgil and Ruth Littlefield, Avis and Charles Beach, Hugh and Margaret Littlefield, Mary ‘Neva Thompson, Rodger and Sandra Littlefield, Janet and Raymond Morse, Merilyn Littlefield, Donna Doolan and Steve Haskell, Claude and Lois Littlefield, Patricia and Donald Lucas, David Littlefield, Katherine Littlefield, James and Susan Littlefield, Judith and Andrew Hurd, and Charles and Nellie Littlefield. She also leaves behind a large extended family of nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother, Donald Littlefield; and her brothers-in-law, Harry Marriner, Richard Thompson and Lawrence Doolan.

Alcyone's list of friends is extensive, as everyone who met her instantly felt her warmth, generosity and inherent invitation of friendship. She shared a special bond with Joyce Cooley, with whom she spent many hours in conversation and company. Alcyone always put others first, and her courage, patience and kindness have touched and inspired a far-reaching network of people whom she made feel like family.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. at Morrill Baptist Church. There will be no visiting hours, but friends and family are invited to remember and celebrate Alcyone immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Waldo County YMCA, to provide scholarships for children to attend the preschool program. This will carry on Alcyone's love of teaching, children and selflessly giving to others.

Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come. — Henri Nouwen

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.