Hope Waye Obituary

Benton: Hope Elizabeth (Todd) Waye,88, passed on June 29,2025 after a long illness. Hope was born in March, 1937, in Abbot, Maine, one of eleven children born to Glendon and Alice (Russell) Todd. She was raised in Abbot and Guilford, graduating from Piscataquis Community High School in 1956, something she was extremely proud of, and she took great joy in reuniting with friends at annual reunions.
She married her sweetheart, Donald P. Waye, in September, 1956, embarking on her journey as a military spouse. Hope and Don raised three children and together navigated the ever-changing plans that the U.S. Navy had in store. Over Don's military career, Hope found work wherever she was, mostly in the local shoe factories. Hope was instrumental in helping Don run his hardware store upon his military retirement. Just when Hope thought full retirement was on the horizon, Don heard his calling to become a Methodist pastor. Without missing a beat, she followed him wherever his calling took them, and enjoyed the many friendships made along the way. They were able to share 40 wonderful years together!
After losing Don in 1996, she finally achieved her life-long dream of owning her own home. She spent many happy hours redecorating and making it her own, and enjoying the space with her beloved pet, Buffy Lou. She enjoyed traveling, whether it was a day trip on the back roads of Maine, or a cruise to Bermuda. She also spent many happy hours playing Bingo and visiting the casinos. Hope also developed a very close bond with her grandson, Scott and her granddaughter-in-law and personal nail stylist, Shanna (Shy) Haywood.
Hope was the very definition of yankee ingenuity. She was not one to shy away from a challenge, and always fought hard to find a solution, albeit downright comical at times. It was often joked "Where there's a will, there's a Waye" when it came to her!
Hope was an avid crafter and quilter, and a member of several quilt groups in Southern and Central Maine. She felt great joy when she gifted them or donated one for a grandchild's raffle from time to time. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was the Christmas that she completed a quilt with matching pillowcase (for storage) for each of her great-grandchildren!
Hope is predeceased by her parents, and siblings Glendine Ward, Lillian Lake, Loretta (Jeannie) Sanders, and David Todd. She is also predeceased by her brother/sister in laws, Connie and John Gordon, James Waye, Janet Babesh, and TheoHelen Griffith, Joseph Babesh, John Peachey, Ernie Lake, and Bob Cowette.
Hope is survived by children Lewis Waye of Buxton, Keith & Brenda Waye of China Village, and Dawn (Beth) and Lee Haywood of East Vassalboro. She is also survived by grandchildren and spouses, including Sandra Clark (Nathan), Michael Waye, Kathy St. Jean (Michael), Scott Haywood (Shy), Holly Haywood-Wahl (Mark), Joel Waye, and Amber Crocker (Joe). Also surviving Hope are her great-grandchildren, Sierra & Morgan Haywood, Evan & Kienna Haley, Liam Scandore, Alyssa Peters, Isabella Crocker, Morgan Waye. Kyle Waye and Keanna St. Jean. She also enjoyed the company of her bonus great-grands, Cody and Paige Arsenault. Prior to Hope's passing, she achieved the title of Great Great Grandmother, with the arrival of Vivianne Camilla Nelson.
Hope is also survived by siblings Russell Todd, Vyronna Cowette, Cecile Peachy, Sylvia (James) Cross, Diana (Gordon) Davis, and Andy (Karen) Todd. Also surviving Hope are sister-in-laws Sharon (Chadbourne) Brawn and Judy (Waye) White, Donna Waye, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Woodlands and the Oak Grove facilities for their attentive care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Maine Alzheimer's Chapter: 383 US Route One Suite 2C, Scarborough, Maine 04074
Services will take place on July 15, 2025, from 1:00-2:30pm at Veilleux Redington Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. Private burial will take place at Maine Veteran Cemetery at a later date.