PATTEN – Minnie Maude (Burpee) Adams, 93 years, 3 months and 15 days, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2007, at her home on Gardiner Street, Patten. She was born April 4, 1914, on a farm near Centerline Brook, South Road, Oakfield. She was the fourth child of Clarence Wilbert Burpee and Ethel (Batchelder) Burpee. She was the granddaughter of Zebulon and Harriette Burpee on her father’s side and John Roscoe Batchelder and Mary Ann (Merriman) Batchelder on her mother’s side. She was the wife of Robert Adams, whom she married Oct. 9, 1937, in Patten. Her husband passed away Dec. 8, 1992. Minnie attended elementary school at the Little Brown Schoolhouse near her home on South Road, Oakfield and Merrill High School, Merrill. She lived with her husband on his parent’s farm on Water’s Road, Patten, the first year of her marriage. On Nov. 11, 1938, she and her husband bought a house on 10 Cedar St., Patten, and she lived there until her death. She was a faithful attendee of Stetson Memorial Methodist Church and a member of the Patten Grange and Order of the Eastern Star. Minnie was a devoted mother to her children and grandchildren, and took great pleasure and pride in their happiness. She was a thrifty women of tremendous spirit, determination and had a generous heart. She taught her children how to accept the passage of time, to face adversity with a positive attitude and to count our bless-ings. Minnie was a gift to the world, a friend and joy to many. Her spirit is carried in all the people whose lives she touched. She lived fully and generously, gracing us with her no-nonsense assessments. This woman, this fine lady, who knew how to live life, continues to inspire and we feel grateful to have lived in her realm. Some people make a difference just by being who they are and their inner light shines brightly to touch many lives. Even when they are gone, they forever play a part in the smiles and special moments that are treasured in our hearts. She was a special person, who made this world of ours a brig-hter and better place. The world is a lesser place without her. Mom will be sadly missed, leaving behind to cherish her memory, her children, Roberta Mary (Adams) Moore of Arizona, Richard Clarence Adams of Maryland, Patricia Anne Adams of Patten and Donald Lee Adams of Patten; and stepdaughter, Marada (Adams) Read of North Carolina. Missing her also are her grandchildren, Mark Antoney Arthers of Florida, Mary Ann Finnemore of Iowa, Lisa Marie (Adams) San Martin of Massachusetts and Alexandria Amy Adams of Maryland. She leaves two great-granddaughters, Ryan Anne and Rose Marie of Iowa. She will be remembered by her good friends and neighbors, especially Dolores Dunn, Sharon MacPhee, Ruth Brooks, Glenna Crouse, Beuhla Goodall and Polly Nott. Minnie was predeceased by her husband, parents; and all her brothers and sisters, Angus Wilbert Burpee, Iva May (Burpee) Gerrish, Allen Herbert Burpee, Stanley Clarence Burpee, Evelyn Grace (Burpee) Malone, Perley Herbert Burpee and Henrietta Burpee. A service of remembrance for the life of Minnie will be held 2 p.m. at Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, Patten, with the Rev. Tae Sung Kang officiating. Family and friends may visit at the church noon until the time of service. Special thanks go out to Minnie’s caregivers, hospice volunteers, Diane Lane and Dr. Hrynick for his dedication and expert care he provided over the years for our mother. In keeping with Minnie’s wishes, memorial gifts in her memory may be made to Patten Historical Society, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church or Patten Academy/Patten Women’s Club Park, Patten, ME 04765, address will get them to their destination. Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls.
MINNIE MAUDE (BURPEE) ADAMS
