PORTLAND - Elizabeth F. Hummer, died unexpectedly in Rockport, ME on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at age 92.  She was the oldest daughter of Marlin and Melva Farnum. In 1927 Elizabeth “Betty” and her younger sister Hilda accompanied their parents to Japan where their father was to serve as a missionary. The family lived in Japan until 1940 (1941 for her father).

During her lifetime, Betty lived many places and was always an active participant in each of her many communities. In the 1950s she lived for six years on the island of Ponape in the Caroline Islands, now the Federated States of Micronesia. Following this, she lived in Bethesda, MD where she worked for the National Institutes of Health and the newly created Peace Corps.  During this period Betty completed her undergraduate degree at American University. 

Accepted into a graduate program at the University of Hawaii, Betty moved to Honolulu.  Upon receiving her master’s degree, she became a reading specialist at an elementary school on Oahu.

Following her retirement, Betty relocated to Green Valley, AZ where she lived for over 30 years.  While in Arizona, Betty was active with a hiking group, the AAUW, the Unitarian-Universalist Church in Amado, volunteered at a local elementary school and at a program providing services to seniors in her community.  For many decades she was a volunteer of the Tumacacori National Historical Park. 

In 2014 Betty moved to the retirement community of 75 State Street in Portland.  During her four years there, she was an active and vibrant member of the community and developed close personal relationships.

Elizabeth Hummer was predeceased by her husband Robert Hummer; her sister Hilda Nicoll and brother Hugh Farnum.  She is survived by her sister Rosemary and brother-in-law Clifford Gilson; brother-in-law Donald Nicoll; a daughter Linda Broker and her husband Stephen, son Andrew Finale and his wife Patricia, daughter Ann Filley and her husband Brian.  Additionally, Betty is survived by grandchildren, Sarah Duffy and her husband Keith, Joann Finale, Aaron Finale, Evan Filley and his partner Elizabeth Mansfield, David Filley; four great-grandsons and eight nieces and nephews. Her first marriage ended in divorce.

In lieu of flowers, Betty’s family suggest donations to the following: Maine Hospice Council, 295 Water Street, Suite 303, Augusta, ME 04330; Maine Public Broadcasting, c/o Membership Office, 63 Texas Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401 or Seventy Five State Street, Portland, ME 04101.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.  To share a memory or condolence with Mrs. Hummer’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.