Gardiner-Elsie Stetson Whidden, 66, of Gardiner, died April 15 after a courageous battle against Parkinson's Disease. She was born to the late Edward and Elizabeth Stetson on October 3, 1946. Elsie graduated from Gardiner High School in 1964 And earned a BA in English from the University of Maine at Orono in 1968.Elsie was a brilliant English teacher and a positive inspiration to the lives of many of her students. She began her teaching career at Cape Elizabeth High School and followed with a long career at Deering High School in Portland. She was honored with a Bowdoin College distinguished teaching award and received national recognition as a teacher who 'MADE A DIFFERENCE' in 1994.Elsie moved to a historic brick colonial farm house in Pownal in 1976, where she rode her beloved chestnut mare 'Lady', spent time gardening, was a very active member of the community and also worked as a correspondent for the Brunswick Times Record. She enjoyed summers on Cobbosseecontee lake in West Gardiner where she later retired year round. Elsie loved the outdoors, bird watching, swimming and boating. She loved skiing, tennis and horseback riding.Elsie is survived by two children, Robert and Emily Whidden. She is lovingly known as 'Mimi' to her two grandchildren Laurel Whidden and Zavier Whidden. Visiting hours will be held at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave, Gardiner on Thursday from 6-8 PM. The funeral service will be held Friday at 1:00 PM at the Christ Episcopal Church in Gardiner.