WATERVILLE – Thelma S. McInnis, 87, passed away at Inland Hospital on Jan. 30, 2004. Thelma was born Feb. 21, 1916, in Guilford, the daughter of the late Manley H. and Ina M. (Sylvester) Spearen. Thelma’s passion and great love in life were music and people. She graduated from Bangor High School in 1934, and studied music at the Northern Conservatory of Music. Thelma began giving piano lessons in high school and continued until she was 86 years old. During high school she also played percussion with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra. Thelma was married to Harry E. McInnis in 1937, and they moved to Waterville in 1941. She has taught generations of students to play the piano and the organ. To most of her students, she was more like a family member, a friend and a mentor. She was the organist at the All Souls Universalist Church in Oakland for 17 years, and upon her retirement in September of 2002 she was named the Organist Emerita. Thelma’s professional and personal accomplishments were acknowledged by countless expressions of recognition, both publicly and privately. Thelma was a member of the American Guild of Organists and she was a key figure in the Richter-Strong Institute of church music at Colby College, where she was first a student and then a member of the faculty for 46 years. Thelma was a volunteer for 12 years at the Inland Hospital gift shop. She was also one of the first presidents of the Salvation Army Auxiliary. She also enjoyed reading, scrabble, and jigsaw puzzles. Thelma was predeceased by her parents; her husband; three brothers, Donald, Ray and John Spearen; a niece, and a nephew. Thelma is survived by two sisters-in-law, Thelma Spearen of Bangor, and Florence Rielly of Pompano Beach, Fla.; as well as four nieces and nephews; 13 great-nieces and great-nephews; and 17 great-great-niece’s and nephews. In addition to her relatives, Thelma’s “family” includes many others who have been deeply and profoundly touched by her love. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, at All Souls Universalist Church, 41 Church St., Oakland, with the Rev. Scott Jones officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Waterville Salvation Army, 225 Main St., Waterville, ME 04901, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Redington Funeral Home, 5 Park St., Waterville.
THELMA S. MCINNIS
