HAMPDEN and CASTINE – Edith J. Anderson, 94, died peacefully early Wednesday morning, May 27, 2009, at a Bangor hospital. Daughter of the New Deal, lover of books and libraries, and friend of those in need, she lived a full and eventful life. She was born Jan. 16, 1915, in Auburn, to the late Albert and Agnes (Kimball) Jordan. Education was a central part of this life. A graduate of Edward Little High School in Auburn in 1932, she fought to get a college degree, the first in her family to do so. In 1936 she earned a bachelor’s degree from Bates College and was always proud to let people know that she was in the same class as Ed Muskie. After college she moved to Aroostook County to begin a career of service to others. She worked as an ADC case worker for the state, helping young women survive the travails of the Great Depression. The rest of her work life was dedicated to such service – American Red Cross volunteer during World War II, other positions with Maine Department of Human Services, the New England Home for Little Wanderers, and then executive director of Abnaki Girl Scout Council until her retirement in 1980. In the years after college she enjoyed home, built a family, and improved the community in Caribou, Brewer, Castine and then Hampden. The family had five children, all now living – Laurie Liscomb of Hilton Head, S.C., Warrie Trichka of Aiken, S.C., Rae Cousins of Southwest Harbor, Warren Baldwin of Merritt Island, Fla., – whose father, Warren Baldwin, predeceased Edith in 1947 – and Mark Anderson of Holden. The countryside is graced with nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. All were infected with her love of books and learning. In retirement her work of service continued. She was a central player in the development of Friends of Witherle Library, Castine and the organization of the statewide Friends of Maine Libraries, of which she was the first president. In every community she lived her deep and abiding faith through the local Catholic Parish. She was even known to enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day dance with the curate. In her last years, she had no greater pleasure than enjoying afternoon tea with her best friend and helpmate of nearly six decades, William W. Anderson. They were inseparable to the end. Family and friends are invited to visit 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 70 Western Ave., Hampden. Interment will be private in Castine Cemetery, Castine. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Edith’s memory may be made to Bates College, 2 Andrews Road, Lewiston, ME 04240-6028. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
EDITH J. ANDERSON
