Erlene Ethel Alves

Erlene Alves, 87, of Scarborough, passed away peacefully at the Barron Center in Portland July 17, 2022. Her daughter Kathy and son Tony were with her at the time of her death. She was born to Jessie and Donald Scovil in Bangor November 29, 1934. After a long and courageous battle, Erlene succumbed to dementia before going straight to Heaven.

Erlene attended Bangor schools where she graduated from Bangor High School in 1952. Later, Erlene moved to Portland. She settled on Munjoy Hill where she raised her six children from 1961-1986. Before relocating to Scarborough, Erlene lived in Vassalboro for many years in a house on Webber Pond.

For most of her adult life, Erlene was a homemaker and she took great pride in doing that very important job. Every day, she made sure all her children were well fed, well dressed, well educated, and showered with love. Erlene’s house was always immaculately clean, warm, safe and welcoming to friends and relatives. With her husband, a merchant marine, being out to sea for 10 months a year…Erlene managed the family budget, did all the shopping, cooked all the meals and cured all the kids’ bumps, bruises, scrapes, and sprains.

Because of her positive attitude and fun-loving nature, Erlene made friends easily and quickly. One of her best friends was Rita Estabrook - her sister-in-law. Together, they enjoyed taking long bus trips to places like California and Oklahoma. Erlene also found great pleasure in hosting large family gathering, especially for major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

At 4’11” tall, Erlene was short in stature but she had a big heart and a big personality that made her a joy to be around. She was dearly loved by many and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Erlene’s philosophy of life was to always see the glass as half full instead of half empty. She always tried to make the best of every situation and she always tried to see the best in everyone. Throughout her life, Erlene saw adversity as a learning opportunity and misfortune as a teachable moment.

In addition to her parents, Erlene was predeceased by Tony Alves, Jr., her loving husband of 55 years; daughters Mary Alves, Angie Palestini; and her granddogs, Caesar and Maggie. She is survived by three sons, Rick Wright and his wife Ann of Kentucky, Jim Wright and his wife Bunny of Oklahoma, and Tony Alves of Portland; and her daughter Kathy Alves and her wife Patty Boucher of Portland. Erlene is also survived by her brother Bobby Scovil of Bangor; her 10 grandchildren, Jimmy, Mandy, Heidi, Cynthia, Elise, Anthony, Nicolas, Kayla, Robbie, Jessica; and 12 great-grandchildren, Seth, Tyler, Dylan, Colin, Noah, Macy Rose, Hayden, Addison, Brody, Anna, Zach, and Laura.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Barron Center and Hospice Compassus for giving Erlene so much humane and compassionate care.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Erlene’s life Saturday, July 23 at A.T. Hutchins, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland. Visitation will run from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM with a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donations to the Salvation Army.

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