DOVER-FOXCROFT – Ethel Madeline Wilbur, 81, wife of Edward H. Wilbur, died Feb. 16, 2008, at a Rockland health care facility, in a final determined struggle against cancer. She was born Feb. 19, 1926, in Dover-Foxcroft, the daughter of Ansel L. and Ida (Myshrall) Cobb. Ethel’s frugal childhood in depression era Sangerville fostered both a lifelong, solid Catholic faith and a strong work ethic. At various times she worked at food processing plants in Belfast, and textile mills in Guilford and Corinna. In the later part of her working career, she was a certified nursing assistant, providing home health care in the local area. Ethel’s considerable artistic talent was best exhibited in her craft projects, especially those involving sewing. She was well known in the Dover-Foxcroft area as a superb seamstress. Ethel was a lector and longtime member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Dover-Foxcroft. In spite of failing health in recent years, she continued her duties as Eucharistic Minister, delivering communion to the sick and homebound, right up to within a few months of her death. Ethel will be sorely missed by her husband and constant companion, Edward, who thanks to Ethel’s love, will be 98 in a few weeks. They shared a deep, active Catholic faith. They loved animals, yard sales, fishing, bird watching, gardening, artistic painting and many other interests. Ethel was well known for being outspoken. She was never shy about expressing her opinions. This trait was balanced by her compassion. Edward’s 11 surviving children are forever grateful for the loving care she gave their special needs brother, “Little Eddy.” Siblings predeceasing her are her sisters, Arlene Stevens, Hazel Cobb, Ida M. Simpson and Marguerite Stone; her brother, Ansel Cobb; and her half sisters, Mary E. Cobb and Alice A. Cobb. She was also predeceased by previous husband, Charlie Copp; daughter, Marjorie Louise Copp; and stepsons, Matthew Wilbur and Edward “Little Eddy” Wilbur. She is survived by her beloved husband of 29 years, Edward Wilbur; her daughter, Dorothy Genevieve Haley of Charlotte, N.C.; a sister, Marion Perkins of Dover-Foxcroft; granddaughters, Crystal Lynn Wittwer of Fort Mills, S.C., and Mikki Northup of Dexter; grandson, Charlie Worster of Dover-Foxcroft; six great-grand-children; and 11 stepchildren. Ethel was not only so proud of the successes of her own daughter and grandchildren, but was a grandmother in every sense to those of Edward’s family who lived in the area. She will be greatly missed by Harvey Wilbur, Silas Wilbur, Geneva Wilbur, Marisa Wilbur, Margaret Fish, Brian Hackett and Tyler Libby. Friends are invited to call 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Dover-Foxcroft, with Father James Robichaud, celebrant. Spring burial will be in the family lot at Dow Cemetery, East Dover. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.
ETHEL M. WILBUR
