SOUTH PORTLAND — Elizabeth F. Gough, artist, 92, formerly of Hulls Cove, died March 12, 2012, at The Cape Elizabeth Retirement Home, South Portland. She was born April 12, 1919, in Philadelphia, Pa., the daughter of Clarence W. and Josephine Johns (Cooke) Fisher.

She was educated at the Warrenton Country School for Girls in Warrenton, Va., where all her studies were taught in French, and graduated from St. John Baptist School in Mendham, N.J. She developed a deep interest in and sensitivity for art, which was to become her life’s work. Elizabeth also had a strong faith and at one point in her life, considered becoming a nun. She once said, “The more I see in nature, the more I see to paint. And the more I paint, the more I learn to see.” Elizabeth received a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Buffalo and continued her studies of art at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu and at the University of Oregon in Eugene, where she received a master of fine arts degree in painting. She taught art in several venues including the Haverford School in Pennsylvania and at the Park School of Buffalo in New York. She and her husband owned and operated several galleries including The Boathouse Gallery in Winter Harbor and The Great Whale Gallery and Gift Shop in Bar Harbor.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert A. Gough, in 2009; and by her son, Stephen R. Gough, in 2007. She is survived by her sister, Josephine Beaven Layton; and her daughter, Elizabeth “Leza” J. Gough, both of Portland. She leaves behind many dear friends on Mount Desert Island and abroad, including dear cousins, Bob and Anne White, of Alberta, Canada, but was so excited to see all her dear ones on the other side.

A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held 1 p.m. this Saturday, July 28, 2012, at the Church of Our Father, Hulls Cove. Donations in honor of Elizabeth may be made to The Church of Our Father, P.O Box 186, Hulls Cove, ME 04644 or to a nature conservatory organization of your choice.