LUBEC – Thelma W. “Toot” Quirk, 87, passed away peacefully Nov. 28, 2011, at Oceanview Nursing Home, Lubec, after a short illness. She was born June 25, 1924, in Eastport, daughter of the late Melvin and Winnie (Wilmont) Winchester.
After attending Eastport schools, Toot traveled to Philadelphia, where she worked for the war effort by assembling parachutes for the U.S. Air Force. She returned to Lubec after this, to be near her sister, Irma, and worked at several local sardine canneries. This is where she met her future husband, James “Buddy” Quirk. They were married in August 1953. Buddy passed away June 23, 2005. Toot loved to walk and could be seen on an almost daily basis, walking all through town, until just a few weeks ago. She enjoyed traveling, having been to Las Vegas, California, Florida and the Bahamas.
In addition to her parents and husband, Toot was predeceased by three sisters, Evelyn Feltenstein, Irma Guptill and Barbara Brown; and three brothers, James, Melvin “Ike” and Lloyd “Pilly” Winchester. She is survived by two sons, Roger and wife, Karen, and Richard and wife, Avis; three grandchildren, Lauren, Richard and Megan; several great-grand-children, many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at Lamson Cemetery, Lubec, with Pastor Gary Look officiating. Friends and family may gather after the service at Roger and Karen’s house, 18 Easy St. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make donations in her memory may do so to Senior Fuel Fund, care of Betty Case, Lubec Town Office, 40 School St., Lubec, ME 04652. Arrangements are in care of McClure Family Funeral Services, Machias and Lubec.