CUTLER – Thelma B. Cates, 77, went to meet her Lord and Savior, Oct. 28, 2007, surrounded by her loving family, at her home. She was born March 23, 1930, in Whiting, to the late Ralph and Lula Look. Thelma worked for many years at A.M. Look Canning Co., and in recent years worked side by side with her late husband, Robert, harvesting firewood, lobster fishing and managing and feeding salmon in Cutler Harbor. Coming from a family of 12 children, she was no stranger to hard work. She was a firm believer in the value of family and held firm to that belief her entire life. As her health declined, a visit from her grandchildren and great-grand-children would always bring a smile to her face. Nanny, as she was called by everyone, also loved animals and they all loved her in return. If anyone was looking for a traveling companion, she was the first one we called, as she would be standing outside ready to roll at a moment’s notice. Her most constant traveling companion was sister-in-law, Mara Rebhan. Thelma’s gentle manner and wonderful sense of humor endeared her to all. She is survived by her children, Deborah Cates and partner, Kevin Feeney, Peggy Cates and partner, Arnold Salvesen, Robert Allen Cates and wife, Pam, Susan Crosman and husband, Dean, Gregory Cates and wife, Kelley; grandchildren, Matthew Fitzhenry and wife, Renee, Calli Fitzhenry and partner, Christopher Harmon, Heather Vose and husband, Chuck, Travis Dennison and wife, Jody, Cody Look, Justin Crosman and wife, Amy, Tori Faulkingham and husband, Les, Dawn Wright and husband, Justin, Brendon Cates and partner, Lauren Govoni, Brad Cates and wife, Amy, Crystle Fergerson and husband, Mike, Cassie Cates and partner, Kevin Connelly, and Katie Cates and partner, Robert Richardson Jr. ;and 25 great-grandchildren with three on the way. Also surviving are sisters, Inez Ackley of Levant, Virginia Reynolds and husband, Bruce, Verna Dennison, all of Cutler and Jean Wood and husband, Reginald, of Machiasport; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert; three brothers and four sisters. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at New Cutler Cemetery with Pastor Scott Porter officiating. Service arrangements were made by the family. Memorial donations may be made to Community Health and Counseling, Hospice Program, R.R. 1, Box 339A, Machias, ME 04654.
THELMA B. CATES
