HAMPDEN – Thelma Mary Watson, 86, passed away June 17, 2006, at a Bangor hospital. She was born Oct. 26, 1919, in Van Buren, the daughter of William E. and Iva V. (Dunlap) Watson. Thelma was a graduate of Van Buren High School, Class of 1938 and Husson College, Class of 1943. She received a bachelor of science in business education from the University of Maine in 1951. Thelma completed her master’s degree in education from the University of Maine during her teaching career at Husson College. Thelma taught at Madawaska High School, Fryeburg Academy and Brewer High School and 27 years at Husson College, serving as instructor and the last 10 years as head of the Business Education Department. Thelma was a sorority sister of Epsilon Tau Epsilon Chapter of Pi Rho Zeta International. In 1973, Thelma started a new venture at Casco Bay College in Portland, where she served as professor and academic dean. The last two years of her career, she served as president of Casco Bay College, retiring in 1983. Thelma is survived by a sister, Margaret H. Willard of Hampden; one niece, Gail Willard Briggs and her husband, Dudley, of Homer, N.Y.; one nephew, Thom J. Willard and his wife, Virginia, of Houlton; five great-nephews, James Briggs, Wayde, Todd, Jason and Dane Willard; several great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; special friends, Clara Swan, Janice Moody Bradeen, Roberta Beaudoin Willard; and caretakers, Dot, Alisha and Heather Kehr. She was predeceased by a very special friend, Priscilla A. Clark; and by two sisters, Ruth Watson and Winifred Watson. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 24, at the Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden, with the Rev. Dr. Deborah M. Jenks, pastor of the Hampden Congregational Church, officiating. Interment will be in Locust Grove Cemetery, Hampden. Expressions of sympathy for Thelma may be made to the Hampden Congregational Church, P.O. Box 9, Hampden, ME 04444. Messages of condolence or memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com
THELMA M. WATSON
