Edward Elvidge. Susan Elizabeth (Welton) Carter. Louisa Mary Plummer.

Carrie Jones

Feb 01, 2026

Note: “People We’ve Lost” is a feature of the Bar Harbor Story where we share obituaries of people that the island lost in the previous 1-2 weeks.

We’re doing this because we think everyone deserves to be remembered as widely as possible and not behind paywalls or at a cost of $500 for people mourning. We’re free.

If you have an obituary for a loved one or friend that you can’t afford to place in other spaces, please let us know, and we’ll share it here for you. We will also share obituaries that have been in other places, too. Just let us know.

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Edward Elvidge
1941 – 2026

Mount Desert Island

Ed Elvidge, accomplished photographer, husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on January 23rd, 2026 in Crystal River, Florida.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Ed’s passion for photography started early in life as well as his deep connection to nature. In 1970, he and his wife JoAnn took their three children Theresa, Richard, and Janet camping in Acadia National Park. They fell in love with the beauty of Mount Desert Island and the next thing you know they packed up their VW camper and moved to Bar Harbor, Maine—a decision they never regretted! This would be one of their many adventures in life together as every day was an adventure with Ed.

Ed’s photography career connected him and JoAnn to MDI for over 50 years. Many folks remember him at their wedding, taking their yearbook picture, or having their family portrait done at his studio on Hancock Street. Later on, Ed and JoAnn moved to Clark Point Road, Southwest Harbor and started the company, Coastal Exposures, and ventured into postcards, calendars, posters, books and eventually a beautiful gallery. His award-winning photos captured the beauty of Mount Desert Island and beyond from his travels around the world. Ed was brilliant, wicked funny and always ahead of his time. He generously shared his knowledge, talent, and humor with family, friends, and students on MDI and all over the world on his global travels.

Ed will be deeply missed by his wife of 64 years JoAnn; daughter Theresa, and her 3 children Maddie, Lulu, and Emily and her fiancee Arkadiy; son Richard and his wife Jane and their children Travis and his significant other Julia, Annabelle and her significant other Hugh, Brittany and her husband Charlie; and daughter Janet and her husband Paul and their son Benjamin and his wife Natalie.

Whether racing his Bullseye, capturing award winning wildlife images, or enjoying time with his family, Ed enjoyed life to the fullest. Per Ed’s request there will be no services. A private ceremony will be held in July. A great way to remember Ed is to go outdoors, spend time in nature and observe what is around us.

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Susan Elizabeth (Welton) Carter

Bass Harbor

Susan Elizabeth (Welton) Carter, age 48, of Bass Harbor, Maine, passed away at Mount Desert Island Hospital on Jan. 13, 2026, with loved ones by her side. Susan was born Feb. 24, 1977, to Theodore and Sherri (Mitchell) Welton in Ellsworth, Maine. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Theodore and Carolyn Welton, and maternal grandparents, Sam and Susan Mitchell. Susan is survived by her sons, Jesse Rich and Cameron Carter, as well as two grandchildren, Dominic and Maya; her parents Ted and Sherri; her siblings: brother Ted Jr., and his children Gabrielle, ANA, Zeb and Howard Orion; sister Sarah and husband Hylie Hall and their children Alicia, Emily, Benjamin, and Max, brother Thomas and wife Julie and their children Jocelyn, Jemalyn, and Thomas Jr.

Susan was a natural caregiver and worked caring for both people and animals throughout her life as a CNA and a veterinary technician. She later found her niche in working for Bark Harbor, a retail store in Bar Harbor. Both the job and her boss, Gale Abbott, became an important part of her life. When asked what her hobbies were or what she liked to do, she would answer “work” with complete honesty.

Her love of family and passion for her career pushed her to never hesitate in her battle with brain cancer these past 15 years. No appointment was too far or treatment too hard, she was all-in until the end. Time was precious to her and her doctors knew she would do anything required of her to have more. She collected people and had friends both old and new whom she cherished. She appreciated all the support she received from family, friends, and the medical community.

There will be no service at this time. A memorial celebration is being planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hancock County SPCA in Susan’s memory.

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Louisa Mary Plummer

Dec. 31, 1969-Jan. 23, 2026

Bar Harbor

It is with deep sorrow that we share that Louisa Mary Plummer, 56, passed peacefully in Brunswick, Maine, surrounded by her family on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.

Louisa was born in Waterville, Maine, to Jean and John Plummer.

She attended Mount Merici Academy until 4th grade, when she moved with her family to Vinalhaven until sixth grade.

Louisa finished up elementary school and high school in East Machias, Maine.

She was active in the band and choral program at Washington Academy, playing the alto saxophone and participating in various choral groups.

After high school, Louisa, driven by a thirst for new things, attended several schools, including culinary, cosmetology, and criminal justice. She ended up residing in Bar Harbor for the remainder of her life, working at Kids Peace in Ellsworth and as a security guard in Bar Harbor.

She had many friends and enjoyed music (especially Prince) and had a great love for cats. Lila the cat was her constant companion until 2022, when Lila passed. She then was so lucky to have found Pepper, a beautiful, affectionate, and loving cat who was with her in her final moments.

Louisa is survived by her many friends and two sisters: Rebecca Samson, Sarah Plummer; her brother-in-law Mike Samson; and her nephews: Nate Samson, Andrew Samson, Ben Jacobs and Chris Jacobs.

Although she did not have her own children, Louisa was the best aunt, and family was so important to her.

Louisa will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service will be held in Bar Harbor in spring 2026.

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