SOUTHWEST HARBOR – Thirza Chandler Wass died unexpectedly March 4, 2009, at her home three days before her 92nd birthday. Thirza was born March 6, 1917, on a farm in Temple, the daughter of Hester Prescott and Andrew Joel Chandler. She was a 1934 graduate of Strong High School, Strong, and later received a Bachelors of Science degree in home economics at Farmington State Normal School, Farmington, in 1938. After college, and against her mother’s wishes!, Thirza moved to the Maine coast and taught home economics at Pemetic High School, Southwest Harbor. Soon after she met the love of her life, Henry B. Wass of Southwest Harbor. They were married Nov. 25, 1939, and were together until his death in 1986. Thirza’s devotion to her husband was unparalleled. Thirza was so very proud of her farm roots in western Maine. She loved to talk of life growing up on the farm with her two younger brothers, and was not shy about letting her family know of the spartan life they led with meager amenities. Thirza’s thrifty means of living and fierce independence was legend among her family and friends, and no doubt the adversities she encountered while living on a working farm contributed to those characteristics. She was always an early riser, meeting the daily crossword with keen determination and focus. She was not one to sit idly by for long and especially loved working outdoors around her home. She also loved to go on walks in the woods and was particularly proud to educate her grandchildren, who adored her, about the local flora and fauna. Thirza was physically active right up to her last day, clearing her driveway of ice, and by her own account could be as ornery as they come! No doubt these qualities helped her to achieve a full and lengthy life. She attended Manset Union Church and had been a member of Bar Harbor Hospital Board. She also had been a trustee of Southwest Harbor Public Library and volunteered for Meals for ME. Thirza is survived by a brother, Colby Chandler and wife, Jean, of Rochester, N.Y.; and five children, Stanley and wife, Noreen, of Southwest Harbor, Patricia and husband, Peter Benedetti, of Southwest Harbor, Janet Wass of East Montpelier, Vt., Leighton and wife, Jane Bottiggi Wass, of Adamant, Vt., Audrey Wass and husband, Steve Estvanik, of Seattle. In addition, she is survived by nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one brother, Daniel Chandler of Farmington. In respect to Thirza’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services scheduled. There will be a private memorial graveside service sometime in the spring. Contributions in Thirza’s memory may be made to Southwest Harbor Public Library, P.O. Box 157, Southwest Harbor or Southwest Harbor/ Tremont Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 437, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
THIRZA CHANDLER WASS
