Thelma Preble Merritt, reaching the age of 100, died on April 24, 2021 after a brief hospital stay followed by hospice. She was born April 13, 1921 in Presque Isle, the daughter of Sanford E. and Margaret J. Preble.
Thelma attended Presque Isle schools and later received her BS from Aroostook State Teachers College and a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Maine, Orono.
Thelma taught second grade elementary school for 26 years in Presque Isle and retired in 1980. She then worked as an assistant librarian for 10 years retiring in 1990 and relocating to Bangor.
Thelma was a longtime member of Grant Memorial Methodist Church in Presque Isle and later transferred to First United Methodist Church of Bangor. Church has always been an anchor in her life and she has many dear friends there.
She was a 50 year member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, Alpha chapter. Delta was so important in Thelma’s life. She was a member of UMW, NEA, MEA, and Penobscot Retired Teachers.
Thelma volunteered at RSVP, EMTC library, and was one of the original volunteers at My Friend’s Place .
Thelma loved reading, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and all New England sports, especially the Red Sox.
Thelma was predeceased by her husband R. Thomson “Tom” Merritt, her beloved sister Helen Grotton of Bangor, son-in-law Henry Wing, and niece Barbara C. Smith.
She is survived by her three children- Barbara Wing, David Merritt and wife Rosemary Delano-Merritt, Wayne Merritt and wife Barbara Jill Merritt. She leaves four grandchildren- Charles “Charlie” T. Merritt, Anna “Loie” Louise Rawding, William “Will” D. Merritt, and Margaret W. Merritt. She was Super Nana to Edie, Arlo, Jack and one on the way!
She also leaves her two nephews, Gary Smith and Richard Grotton and his wife Barbara, daughter-in-law Faith Rawding, and dear friend Linda Morris who have all given her much love and support.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all her friends including the staff at the Phillips Strickland House where she has had a wonderful home for 10 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to call 2-4 pm Thursday, April 29. 2021 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a funeral service will be held 1 pm. Friday April 30, 2021, with Dr. Steve Smith, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Bangor and the Corinth United Methodist Church, officiating.
Interment will be in Fairmount Cemetery, Presque Isle later in May.
Those wishing to remember Thelma in a special way may contribute in her memory to the First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex St., Bangor, ME. 04401.
Those wishing to leave a condolence or view a tribute of the service may do so by visiting BrookingsSmith.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thelma Preble Merritt, please visit our flower store.
Thelma attended Presque Isle schools and later received her BS from Aroostook State Teachers College and a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Maine, Orono.
Thelma taught second grade elementary school for 26 years in Presque Isle and retired in 1980. She then worked as an assistant librarian for 10 years retiring in 1990 and relocating to Bangor.
Thelma was a longtime member of Grant Memorial Methodist Church in Presque Isle and later transferred to First United Methodist Church of Bangor. Church has always been an anchor in her life and she has many dear friends there.
She was a 50 year member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, Alpha chapter. Delta was so important in Thelma’s life. She was a member of UMW, NEA, MEA, and Penobscot Retired Teachers.
Thelma volunteered at RSVP, EMTC library, and was one of the original volunteers at My Friend’s Place .
Thelma loved reading, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and all New England sports, especially the Red Sox.
Thelma was predeceased by her husband R. Thomson “Tom” Merritt, her beloved sister Helen Grotton of Bangor, son-in-law Henry Wing, and niece Barbara C. Smith.
She is survived by her three children- Barbara Wing, David Merritt and wife Rosemary Delano-Merritt, Wayne Merritt and wife Barbara Jill Merritt. She leaves four grandchildren- Charles “Charlie” T. Merritt, Anna “Loie” Louise Rawding, William “Will” D. Merritt, and Margaret W. Merritt. She was Super Nana to Edie, Arlo, Jack and one on the way!
She also leaves her two nephews, Gary Smith and Richard Grotton and his wife Barbara, daughter-in-law Faith Rawding, and dear friend Linda Morris who have all given her much love and support.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all her friends including the staff at the Phillips Strickland House where she has had a wonderful home for 10 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to call 2-4 pm Thursday, April 29. 2021 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a funeral service will be held 1 pm. Friday April 30, 2021, with Dr. Steve Smith, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Bangor and the Corinth United Methodist Church, officiating.
Interment will be in Fairmount Cemetery, Presque Isle later in May.
Those wishing to remember Thelma in a special way may contribute in her memory to the First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex St., Bangor, ME. 04401.
Those wishing to leave a condolence or view a tribute of the service may do so by visiting BrookingsSmith.com.
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