PERRY – Althea E. Townsend, 87, passed away Friday, June 8, 2007, at Calais Regional Hospital after a long period of failing health. Althea was born July 13, 1919, in Lynn, Mass., daughter of the late Evelyn Morse and Clifford Stanley. She was married to Willard Townsend for 58 years and together they had eight children. Althea worked in many sardine factories, made wreaths and also had dug a lot of clams in her lifetime. Whatever it took to feed a family of eight children, she did it. Throughout her illness, her strength and the love she had for her family, she never gave up or complained. Althea had a green thumb when it came to gardening and flowers. She loved cooking, canning and picking berries. Her longtime companion was her cat, Muffin, who she loved dearly. Althea was predeceased by her husband, Willard; a daughter, Barbara Gurney; a sister, Norma Bunker; and two brothers, Lester and David Stanley. Surviving are two sons, Norman and his wife, Ida Townsend, of Perry and Gerald Townsend and his companion, Vicki Brown, of Pembroke; five daughters, Priscilla and her husband, Sheldon Ashby, of Pembroke, Althea and her husband, Mike Collins, of Raymond, Patricia and her husband, Oren Mikulaninecz, of Portland, Linda and her husband, Donald Cole, of Portland and Diane and her husband, Don Libby, of Buxton; 38 grandchildren; 98 great-grandchildren; 43 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Agnes Beers, who many will remember them as two peas in a pod; a half sister, Shirley Eckert; a half brother, Edward Townsend; several nieces and nephews. Althea’s soft-spoken demeanor and great smile was known throughout the community. She will surely be missed by all. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday at Mays Funeral Home – Flagg Chapel, 72 High St., Eastport. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Shel-don Keezer officiating. Burial will be immediately after at Restlawn Cemetery, Perry. Friends may pay tribute at www.maysfuneralhome.com
ALTHEA E. TOWNSEND
