Edith Thistle

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Edith Thistle
1925 - 2015
SKOWHEGAN -
My mother, Edith Thistle, died at home on July 30. She suffered no pain, her breathing just ceased. Mom would have been 90, on Aug. 17. She lived a good and decent, productive and long life. That's not to say she was easy. Actually, she was difficult. But strong and demanding women often are, aren't they. She was an over-achieving, under-educated incredibly bright woman.
She was born in 1925 in Chelsea, Mass., the daughter of Robert and Olive (Hudson) Homer, immigrants from Newfoundland. She had two brothers, Teddy and Bob, and one sister June. She graduated from Everett High School. Freddie Thistle and she married in 1946. They had two sons, Dale and Paul. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Freddie; and her treasured son, Paul. She found comfort in knowing they will now be reunited.
My mother's life was family and work. She was proud to have been Assistant to the Dean of Tufts Medical School for 25 years, serving five different Deans. But mostly, this girl of the Great Depression and the Second World War devoted her life to her immediate and extended family and friends. Paul wrote a wonderful tribute to our parents on their 50th wedding anniversary; in part, "Our home was filled with such warmth and love. It was always open to our friends and at times a haven for us when we needed it .... How our friends would love to come over." She taught Paul and me to appreciate the fine arts taking me to theatres and plays, fine restaurants and Boston's great museums and she taught Paul to love classical, contemporary and religious music, out of which he made a career as an organist. She transmitted to us culture.
She was predeceased by her loving brother and sister-in-law Robert and Jean Homer of Sherburn, Mass., and her brother in-law Paul Hurlburt of Grenland, N.H.; as well as her parents; her brother Teddy died as an infant. Surviving is her sister, June Hurlburt; me (Dale); eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; also surviving are five nieces and three nephews.
I had the honor, and often burden, to be honest, of caring for my mother in my home right up to the very end. I couldn't have done it without the loving help of Carla Paine of Anson, Angela and Jim Tyvoll of Garland and Ellen McGregor of Skowhegan. I am forever grateful for your personal help. I know each of you loved Edy deeply, and she loved you. Finally, the good folks at Hospice deserve far more than I can repay: Kathy, Sue, Onneka, Deb, Jan, Michelle and Colleen,
Edy, Mom, will be laid to rest with her husband and son in Forestvale Cemetery in Hudson, Mass., on Friday, Aug. 14, at 11 a.m. There will be no visiting hours or funeral service, per her request. Friends, and family are, of course, welcome to join us.
Again, my brother wrote in his tribute: ..."we all have learned that the love you two have for each other was given to everyone who came into our lives." Edy's body has left us. Her spirit, her love and her Soul warm us, guide us and hold our hands, still. Hallelujah.