BANGOR and FRANKFORT – Ada H. Kangas, 90, passed away peacefully Nov. 19, 2011, surrounded by her loving family at a Bangor health care facility, just four weeks after surgery. Ada was born July 3, 1921, in Frankfort, to Florian and Alice (Cuddy) York.
Ada grew up in Frankfort and graduated from Frankfort High School, class of 1939, and then attended Maine School of Commerce, Bangor. Ada was a resident of Frankfort and this is where her life was centered.
She was best known for her 30-year career at Frankfort General Store. She was famous for making a tasty cheeseburger and her most beautiful afghans, which she gave as wedding and baby shower gifts. She was an active member of Frankfort Congregational Church, where she was the treasurer for many years and was responsible for calling members to make pies for their suppers. Many locals may remember the infamous sign in town that read “Welcome to Frankfort, Home of Ada Kangas.” Ada especially loved being with her family, particularly spoiling her grandchildren. Ada will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
Ada is survived by her loving daughter, Barbara Knight of Hampden; grandchildren, Roxanne Blethen and husband, David, of Lisbon, Brenda Dahlbergh and husband, Steve, of Winterport and Cliff Knight and wife, April, of Frankfort; great-grandchildren, Meghann Blethen of Augusta, Ian Blethen of Lisbon, Ethan and Olivia Dahlbergh of Winterport and Ashlee and Stefanie Knight of Frankfort; her sister, Leola Eldridge and husband, Linwood, of Brewer; and nephews, Cecil, Larry, Bobby, Mark and Eric Eldridge. Ada was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Hugo, in 1974; her brother, Harley York, in 1943; a son-in-law, Earl Knight; and a nephew, Dale Eldgridge. A special thank you to Ada’s second family, the staff at Eastside Rehabilitation, particularly her special daughter-in-law, April Knight, for their loving care right up until her death.
In keeping with Ada’s wishes interment will be private at Oak Hill Cemetery, Winterport. A regular Sunday church service in Ada’s memory will be at Frankfort Congregational Church at a later date. Memorial contributions in Ada’s honor may be made to Frankfort Congregational Church, P.O. Box 38, Frankfort, ME 04438. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden.