WILMA J. DWYER

OAKFIELD – Wilma J. Dwyer, 83, entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior June 25, 2009, with her loving family at her side. She was born Dec. 18, 1925, the daughter of Hazen and Effie (Bunting) Bustard. She leaves behind a legacy of a truly honorable and rich life. Her lifestyle was a living example that success in life comes not only in talent and opportunity, but in prayer and perseverance. She truly loved with all her heart and her smile was contagious. She taught us that a smile costs nothing, but gives much and it enriches those who are on the receiving end of it. A smile takes but a moment, but the memory lasts a lifetime. The neighborhood children were drawn to her like a magnet, a place where they could find love and acceptance. She spent many years teaching Sunday school, was the Sunday school and missionary treasurer, as well as church secretary. Her love of music was expressed in her participation in the church choir. She was a “Grammy” figure to 100 plus children at Kounty Kids, Dyer Brook, and Forever Friends, Bangor. Every year she made May Day baskets with little gifts for all the children. She is survived by the love of her life, Virgil Dwyer; they shared a wonderful marriage of 67 years; her seven children, no matter what, always her angels, Joan Nason and her husband, Harry, of Orient, Sally Lycette and her husband, Roger, of Bangor, Peggy Mitchell of Merrill, Virgie Burpee and her husband, Dennis, of Dyer Brook, Judy Russell and her husband, Bruce, of Oakfield, Paul Dwyer and his wife, Debbie, of Island Falls and Beth Porter and her husband, Keith, of North Waterboro; grandchildren, Larry and Linda Anderson, Janet and Marty Rockwell, Jerri and Richard Lyons, Lori and Toby Mailman, Wayne Faulkner and Laura, Kevin and Nicky Lycette, Steve Lycette and Katie Bellrose, Rebekah Mitchell, Jay and Amanda Burpee, Matt and Janet Burpee, David and Elisha Cyr, Brett and Kim Russell, Kilby and Ashley Russell, Nick Russell, Joshua Dwyer and Audrea, Ashley Porter and Adam, Kayla Porter and Andrew; 23 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She adored her many nieces and nephews. Her love for her siblings never faltered. She held them close at heart. She is also survived by two sisters, Teresa Morkin of Jacksonville, Fla., and Gail Thompson and her husband, Fred, of Caribou; a brother, Carl Bustard and his wife, Fern, of Oakland; and brother-in-law, Spurgeon Somers of Patten. She was predeceased by her parents; one son-in-law, Gary Mitchell; two sisters, Ruth Somers and Dorothy Bragdon and her husband, Finley; one brother, Kenneth Bustard and his wife, Pauline; and a brother-in-law, Raymond Morkin. A thank you goes to the staff of Gardiner Healthcare Facility for the excellent care given to my wife, our mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. A special thanks goes to Robert and Rita Pratt, Dale and Bonnie Pratt and Wilma’s pastor, the Rev. Sterling Lawrence, for their dedicated faithfulness to Dad and Mom during her illness. You will forever be remembered in our hearts. Family and friends are invited to a graveside service 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at Oakfield Cemetery with the Rev. Sterling Lawrence, pastor of Bethel Pentecostal Church, officiating. There will be a luncheon at Bethel Pentecostal Church after the service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the memory garden in honor of Wilma at Bethel Pentecostal Church, care of Bowers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 579, Houlton, ME 04730.