Thelma Thomas Perrin

SHERMAN - Thelma Perrin, 91, passed peacefully on September 29, 2015. She was born to Hildbert and Julia (Sides) Thomas on November 7, 1923, in Vanceboro, Maine.

When she was 7, the family moved to Sherman Mills and she was raised on a potato farm on the Cold Brook Road. She attended the Doble schoolhouse for elementary grades and graduated from Island Falls High School in 1941. She enjoyed working with her mother around the house and started her cooking skills at a young age. She enjoyed picking berries, canning fruits, vegetables and meats for the winter meals, and sewing her own clothes.

On October 3, 1942, she married Carl "Cap" Perrin and enjoyed 71 years of marriage until he passed in March of 2014. They enjoyed their time together and opened their doors to many who needed a home. There was always room for one more at their table and they surely made everyone feel welcome.

Her surviving children are Carlene Campbell of Waterville, Dorinda Putnam and husband, Marvin, of Scarborough, Jarice Kelley of Sherman, Hilbert (Tom) Perrin of Millinocket, Carl "Cappy" Perrin Jr. and wife, Cathy, of Patten and Lucinda "Cindy" Kelley and husband, Kent, of Spanaway, WA. She suffered the loss of her son in 1975, Herbert "Tim" Perrin, twin brother to Tom. Mom cherished her 20 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Shirley Perrin Merrill and Alta Thomas, and several nieces and nephews, who adored her.

Mom was the true back bone behind our family and she held it all together with grace and always had a positive outlook on everything and everyone. Some of the highlights of her life were spending time at the camp in Shin Pond and entertaining many family and friends. She enjoyed watching her children participate in several school and sport activities. Later, she enjoyed traveling to see her children and grandchildren as her extended family grew.

She worked and managed cafeterias in the area schools and enjoyed the satisfaction of serving the students and seeing their smiles. During the summer months, she and "Cap" would travel to Winthrop to work at the state YMCA camp. She directed the kitchen and fed over 300 campers each day. When she was 60, ignoring retirement, Mom started a new career and managed the Guest House at Great Northern Paper Company in Millinocket, ME, for ten years; this was a true highlight of her life. She enjoyed the guests she met and the compliments she would receive. This became more of a passion than a job.

Mom was part of many organizations which included: Sherman School Board, Washburn Memorial Church, Past Matron of Molunkus Valley Chapter #95 OES of Sherman and volunteered for all community events.

Thelma was predeceased by her siblings, Oramel, Duane and Delma, "twin brother" to Thelma; and her sister, Charlotte.

Our family would like to thank all of the care givers whose compassion and care helped our Mom stay at home.

The celebration of our Mom's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2015, at Washburn Memorial Church in Sherman, Maine. A reception will be held following the service at "The Red House" in Sherman.