Obituary of Hortense Marie Alley

Hortense Marie Alley - On July 30, 1967, a baby girl was born, Hortense Marie Watson, the child of Charles Alton and Clara Margaret Watson of Seal Harbor, Maine. She was the youngest of the family with three sisters, PeggyAnn, Ida Mae and Carlotta Maria and one brother, Charles "Chuck". Through the years, she had many adventures and made many friends along the way: good friend, Pam Gilley, who lived next door and Melissa Alley, who she met at a basketball game - this would be the beginning of a very special relationship. Hortense "Tensie" and Melissa "Missy" became inseparable. Tensie would come home with Missy from school many nights as well as most weekends, making this a second home. The two of them could always be found at the roller rink, dances and even at the races in Unity, chasing boys while the races were going on. They went camping several times with Missy's parents, where they would sneak out at night to meet the boys (all harmless fun). This friendship never faulted through all the years with busy lifestyles. They were together in the last minutes of Tensie's life. At 17, Tensie became pregnant and gave birth to her first child. A beautiful baby girl, Ashley Nichole Hennigan. Ashley was the apple of her eye and always put her daughter's needs before her own, creating a bond that can only be found between a mother and daughter. At 31 years old, after several attempts to add to her family, Tensie adopted her nephew David. Soon after, David was diagnosed with autism. Tensie learned all she could about autism and medication and treatments as well as behavioral aspects to best provide for all of David's needs. Shortly after Tensie adopted David, she became pregnant with her son Antonio. Tensie was a loving mom to all her children, making sure they had everything they needed in life to become responsible young adults. Tensie always made time for her family, which continued to grow to four grandchildren. Tensie loved spending time with her grandchildren, often taking the granddaughters for sleepovers on weekends. She never missed a birthday and often made the birthday cake for them. Tensie still found time to work her job as a housekeeper, cook, and server for the Spencer family, who would spend the summer months in Northeast Harbor. For over 35 years, Tensie worked for them and thought of them as family, as they thought of her as family, too. Tensie was one of a kind. She could light up any room with her smile that was so genuine. She had an amazing ability to make friends no matter where she was, and a true friend she was. There are so many of Tensie's friends that there are just too many to list as time and space won't allow - she loved all of them. ___________________ Last, but not least, Our Story: My name is David Alley and I am Tensie's husband. I have known her for about 37 years. Her friend Missy is my younger sister. I remember Tensie always hanging out with Missy at our house and I often took them and dropped them off at the roller rink or wherever they might be going. Tensie was always smiling and giggly. On May 18, 2013, I was sitting in my truck at a truck stop in El Paso, Texas, as I was a long distance truck driver. I happened to be on Facebook and saw Tensie's name in the comment of my sister's post. I said "hi" and things just progressed from there. On July 18, 2013 while walking hand in hand on the beach looking for sea glass, I asked Tensie to be my wife. This may seem kind of sudden to some, but all I can say is you just know. On November 1, 2014, we became husband and wife with so many plans for our future. In the middle of May 2016, she was diagnosed with cancer. On April 14, 2017, I held her hand as she passed away. That day I lost my best friend and soul mate. I will forever love her with all my heart. Her life and our life together ended way too soon. So many things left to do and things to see, but they say everything happens for a reason. I do know that for just the short time we had, that we made a lifetime of memories. This is what I keep holding onto. ________________________ NORTHPORT — Hortense “Tensie” Marie Alley (Watson), 49, of Northport passed away on April 14, 2017, at home surrounded by family after a battle with cancer. Tensie was born in Bar Harbor to Peggy and Charles Watson on July 30, 1967. She married David Alley on Nov. 1, 2014. She graduated from Mount Desert Island High School. She worked as a housekeeper and caterer on the island for 31 years. She was involved in Northport food pantry as a volunteer and co-owner. Hortense was predeceased by her parents, Peggy and Charles Watson, sister Ida Mae Gonzales and aunt Ida Blanchard. Tensie is survived by her husband, David Alley, daughter Ashley Cohen and son-in-law Richie Cohen, sons David and Antonio Sarosi, brother Chuck Watson, sisters Peggy Watson Jordan, Carlotta Keene and grandchildren Sophie, Taylor, Madisyn and Ryker. A celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. June 24 at her home in Northport for close friends and family. If you would like to attend, please contact her daughter via Facebook under Ashley Cohen. Memorials may be given to Relay for Life, Tensie Tough team at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/?fr_id=80890&pg=team&team_id=2204232. The family of Tensie wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Waldo County Oncology and Hospice Care.