Hudson – Virgie Lila (Garnett) Niles, 94, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior January 19, 2017, at home with her loving family at her side. She was born November 30, 1922, in Sherman, the only daughter of Theo and Charlotte (Stevens) Garnett.

Living most of her life in Bradford, she married Edwin L. Niles October 19, 1946, and together they raised five children, one of whom was special needs. While working alongside her husband on their farm, she trained and worked as a psychiatric medication nurse at BMHI. Over a span of 50 years, she worked for Stanley Home Products, Inc., earning trips, trophies, and gifts. In retirement, Virgie and Ed spent several winters at their home in Florida. Summers were spent at their camp at Little Pushaw Lake, where entertaining family and friends brought them great joy. If we could say there was just one special gift Mom had, it would be her love of poetry – reading and writing it. At the drop of a hat, she could write a poem about any subject, person, place, thing, or experience. She loved birds, tending her flowers, knitting, and writing short stories. Mom put her own special flare on telling stories of the good old days. She was a member of the Bradford Baptist Church, VFW, and the Happy Grandmothers Club.

Virgie was predeceased by her husband Edwin; “special needs” son “Eddie” Edwin Niles II; two brothers, Hadley and Arthur Garnett; and son-in-law George McKay. She is survived by sons, Theo Bragdon of Bradford, and Dana and Candy Bragdon of Venice, Florida; daughters Nicola “Nicky” Higgins and husband Francis, of Charleston, and Phyllis McKay of Hudson; four grandchildren, Adam Higgins and wife Gabriele of Greenbush, Stacy Higgins and wife Diane of Sebec, Debra Heaven and husband Michael of Venice, Florida, Cindy Dickens and husband Jeffrey of Evansville, Indiana; and five great grandchildren. Virgie’s presence will be sadly missed by her family and friends, including her “furbabies” Sugar, Speedy, and Bella. A very special “thank you” to Eastern Maine Hospice staffers Stacy and Tricia, under the direction of Dr. VanKirk. Your support and guidance was immeasurable. To Meghan Mammular, Mom’s PCP for over 14 years, and her MA Allison – she loved you dearly.

A funeral service in Celebration of Virgie’s life will be held 11 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2017 at the Bradford Baptist Church, 461 Main Road, Bradford, officiated by Pastor Don Booker. Relatives and friends are welcome to call 10:30 until time of service. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshment at the church after the service. Those who wish to remember Virgie in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the Bradford Church, 461 Main Rd., Bradford, ME 04410, or to the Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mt. Hope Ave., Bangor, Me 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (NLT Bible)