WALDOBORO — Else Hoier Laustsen, 97, went to be with the Lord on September 1 at her home in Waldoboro, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on March 4, 1925, on the island of Fyn, Denmark to Edith and Vilhelm Hoier. Else grew up in Denmark including five hard years of Nazi occupation. Her family bravely hid Jews and sheltered Danish resistance fighters throughout World War II.

In 1947 she married Fritz J. Laustsen, who had been an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine during the war. They were married for sixty-five years. In 1948 they immigrated to the United States, settling in Port Washington, New York, where they raised their family of three.

Else worked in the family business, North Shore Decorating, until they retired to Maine in 1987.

Else kept in close contact with her Danish family and visited often. Maine was a favorite camping spot for her family. She and Fritz bought a vacation home, an old farm, in Moscow, Maine in 1966 which remained a special place throughout her life.

Else was active in both the 1st Baptist Church of Port Washington, where she served as a Deaconess for twenty years, and then a member of the 1st Baptist Church in Waldoboro. She treasured her many friends and family in Denmark, Port Washington, Moscow and Waldoboro. She was well known for her hospitality, which she saw as a Christian gift and often hosted large gatherings at her home.

She was a member of the Danish Brotherhood, Audubon Society and the West Waldoboro Community Club. Else was known for her cooking skills and was an avid bird watcher, gardener and forager of wild mushrooms. She loved camping and hiking in the north woods and often imparted her knowledge of flora and fauna with anyone lucky enough to be with her. She spoke several languages.

Else was known to her friends and family as gracious, good natured and loving. Else was blessed to be able to stay in her home with her daughter Lisa, who was her caregiver for the last nine years. She lived her life with the love of family, friends, country and above all, God. She was a mentor to many and the rock of our family. She will be missed but is now in a better place.

She is predeceased by her sister, Kirsten Hoier; husband, Fritz; special son in law Frank Capone; and loving extended family from both the U.S. and Denmark.

She is survived by –
Son Erik Vilhelm Laustsen and wife Cindy
Daughters Karin Britt Capone and Lisa Mai Laustsen,
Her adoring grandchildren Steven Capone, Ellen Beckman (husband John) and Elena Laustsen
Great grandchildren – Johnny, Emily & Eva Beckman
Nieces – Vivien Norgaard, Marian Laustsen, Yana Murray and loving extended family from both the U.S. and Denmark

Friends are welcome to join the family for a time of visitation Friday, September 16, from 5 to 7 p.m.

A service to celebrate Else’s life will be held Saturday, September 17, at 11 a.m., at Halls Funeral Home, 949 Main St, Waldoboro. A graveside burial will be in held immediately after in Achorn Cemetery in Rockland.

Contributions in Else’s memory may be made to Samaritans Purse International Relief @ www.samaritanspurse.org Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. You are invited to share your memories and condolences with the family by visiting the Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhome.com