Obituary: Ellen Linda (Curtis) Gaddis
Ellen Gaddis, 77, of Wiscasset, dies after long life of community service
WISCASSET, ME — Ellen Linda (Curtis) Gaddis, a lifelong resident of Maine’s coastal communities, passed away peacefully at her home on September 28, 2026. She was 77.
Born on September 14, 1949, in Machias to Richard S. Curtis, Sr. and Barbara (Gatcomb) Curtis, Gaddis grew up in the small town of Edmunds. She graduated from Washington Academy in East Machias in 1967 as salutatorian and later attended Beal Business College.
In 1969, Gaddis married Christopher E. Gaddis. The couple settled near Wiscasset while Christopher completed an apprenticeship at Bath Iron Works. They raised two daughters, Laurie and Barbara. Gaddis began her career at Bath Iron Works in 1971, working in the quality‑assurance department until 1974. She took a brief break to give birth to her youngest daughter, then returned in 1977 to the purchasing department, where she remained for 45 years. During that time she befriended long‑time colleague Joan Pratt.
Gaddis was active in her church community. In 1984 she joined the Bible Baptist Church in Wiscasset, serving as Sunday‑school secretary and assistant treasurer for many years.
Her family survived her: daughters Laurie Gaddis Barrett of Glocester, Rhode Island, and Barbara Coulter, who lives in Marietta, Georgia, with her husband Lee; sister Carol Robinson and her husband Albert of Wiscasset; brother Richard Curtis, Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Edmunds; and former sister‑in‑law Rosemary Harmon (formerly Curtis) of Pembroke. Two grandchildren, Ethan Coulter and Margaret “Maggie” Barrett, also mourn her loss.
Gaddis was pre‑deceased by her parents, Richard S. Curtis, Sr. and Barbara (Gatcomb) Curtis, and by her husband, Christopher E. Gaddis.
The family has requested a private memorial. Interment will take place at Dennysville Cemetery in Dennysville, Maine. Friends and relatives wishing to share memories or offer condolences may do so online at http://www.brackettfh.com.
Ellen Gaddis’s life was marked by steady work, devotion to family, and service to her local church and community. She will be remembered for her kindness, integrity, and long‑standing friendships.
