PHILLIPS and BREWER – Evangeline Beal Toothaker, 94, wife of the late James E. Toothaker, died July 7, 2006, at Dirigo Pines Retirement Community in Orono. Evangeline was born Oct. 9, 1911, in Avon, one of five children born to Sumner and Blanche (Smith) Beal. She attended Avon and Phillips schools, then graduated from Farmington Normal School. She was an elementary school teacher in local schools. Evangeline and her husband owned and operated a Red and White grocery store while raising three children. After James’ death in 1965, she continued to operate the grocery until returning to the University of Maine at Farmington to obtain qualification to resume her teaching career. She enjoyed teaching her first graders in Phillips until retiring in 1977. After retirement she traveled with friends and family and devoted herself to her children and grandchildren and her church. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her talents were numerous, and included quilting, gardening, cross-stitching, knitting and rug braiding. As recently as 2004, Evangeline was still knitting caps for hospitals to provide to newborns. Evangeline is survived by one son, Bruce Toothaker and his wife, Anne, of Schenectady, N.Y.; two daughters, Jane and her husband, Franklin Hinckley, of Brewer and Martha and her husband, Ray Souza, of Westford, Mass.; a brother, Richard Beal and his wife, Thelma, of Avon; a sister-in-law, Eleanor Beal of Gardiner; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Phebe; and brothers, Horace and Theodore. A service of remembrance will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, at Brookings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer with the Rev. Clayton Blackstone officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Brookings-Smith Family Rooms, 55 South Main St., Brewer immediately after the service. A graveside service will be held 3 p.m. at Mile Square Cemetery, Avon. The family wishes to acknowledge the care and kindness of the staff at Dirigo Pines. Contributions in her memory may be sent to Phillips Public Library, 96 Main St., Phillips, ME 04966. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com
EVANGELINE TOOTHAKER
