BELFAST — Eleanor Luce Hardy, 87, of Belfast, passed away peacefully May 19, 2016, with her family by her side. She was born Nov. 18, 1928, in Newburg, the daughter of Henry and Ethel (Chase) Luce. She worked for many years as a telephone operator for Hannaford Bros. in Portland. She married the love of her life, Vernon Hardy, on April 3, 1954. They lived in Connecticut for 21 years before retiring back to Maine.

Eleanor was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her family was what gave her life great meaning. Her heart and her home were always open to family and friends. Her love of baking always left her home with a delightful aroma. There were always freshly baked goods awaiting anyone who arrived, with favorites being blueberry muffins, biscuits, brownies and peanut butter balls at Christmas time.

She had a passion for the outdoors. She loved her yard, where she would spend many hours tending to her beautiful flowers and trees. She also had a love for the ocean, where she spent endless summer hours enjoying the shore with her grandchildren. Eleanor was a remarkable and beautiful woman with great strength, wisdom and values. One couldn't have asked for a better, more loving and supportive wife, mother or grandmother. She enriched the lives of all who knew her, and her positive outlook and contagious smile will be greatly missed by many.

She was predeceased by her parents; five brothers; and her husband of 51 years. Eleanor is survived by her son, Blaine and his wife, Bonnie, of Belfast; her daughter, Ann Wilkie of Wiscasset; her granddaughter, Michelle Hosford and her husband, Kristian, of Lisbon Falls; her grandson, Jason Wilkie of Belfast; her great-grandchildren, Alexavier and Hailey; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 28 at 11 a.m., at the family homestead.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.