ROCKLAND – Ercell M. Kenney, 90, died peacefully May 19, 2014, surrounded by her family, following an extended illness, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Rockland on Feb. 20, 1924, she was the daughter of Joseph and Lena Tozier Widdecomb. Born into a very large family, Ercell spent a lot of time with her beloved “Aunt Nell” in the Waterville and Unity area. After her aunt moved to Rockland, Ercell attended Rockland schools.

Ercell began working as a young girl to help support her family, and met the love of her life, Neal V. Kenney Jr. when she was just 14 years old. Ercell married the only man she ever dated Sept. 27, 1942, in Rockland. Together they raised seven children. Over the years Ercell worked at several jobs to assist her growing family. She has been employed with local fish factories and laundromats, and also worked for several area families as a private housekeeper. Her daughter remembers that many of those families became friends, not just employers.

Ercell had a huge heart and loved to share anything she could with anyone in need. She loved to cook, getting up at 2 a.m. to make hundreds of breads, cakes and pies for Christmas baskets, well into her 80s. She also volunteered her time and energy at the Salvation Army, often cooking for a crowd by herself.

She was best known for her baked beans, and they often found their way to many company parties, community barbeques and family get-togethers.

She was a caregiver at heart, and even after raising seven of her own children and caring for her husband during his illness, Ercell raised and cared for several of her grandchildren, friends and anyone who needed a helping hand or a place to stay.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Predeceased by her husband; and an infant son, Neal Ruben Kenney; she is survived by her children, Lucy Kenney of Rockland, Robert Royce and his wife, Judy, of Hope, David Kenney of Thomaston, Susan Kelly and her husband, Kevin, of Rockland, Neal V. Kenney III of Thomaston, and Dianna Trueman and her husband, Lawrence, of St. George; a granddaughter, whom she raised as her own, Annie Kenney and her daughter, Alexis Maiorino; her grandchildren, Lisa Pendleton and her husband, Donnie, Marcia Kenney, Robert Royce Jr., Neal V. Kenney IV, Michael Tripp, Jachin Black, Benjamin Tripp and Renee Grover; and many great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.

A graveside celebration of her life will be held Friday, May 30 at 11 a.m. at Achorn Cemetery in Rockland.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.