PHILLIPS – Myrtle B. Thurlow, 97, passed away Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, at her home after an extended period of declining health. She was born May 21, 1914, in Harrison, to Lena Tyler Brown and Lowell Marston Brown.
Myrtle was raised in Bartlett, N.H., the youngest of four children and was predeceased by her brother, Carlyle; and two sisters, Phyllis and Elizabeth. As a teenager her interest in photography emerged and she began a small business developing and printing photographs for her friends and neighbors. Myrtle married Dr. Charles E. Thurlow, June 30, 1935. She recalled being introduced at age 11 to Charles, who was a freshman at Fryeburg Academy and the oldest son of her dentist, Dr. Norman C. Thurlow of Fryeburg. In 1936, she and her husband, Charles, settled in Phillips, where he opened his dental practice and Myrtle managed his office. Myrtle loved music, art, writing and gardening. She was a member of Phillips Congregational Church and was the church organist for many years. Her bread and rolls were famous at bake sales. She was one of the founders of The Children’s Church, Phillips. Myrtle was artistic and enjoyed photography, sketching and printmaking. She was an accomplished seamstress and clothing designer. She became skilled at wallpapering and repairing the plaster walls and ceilings of their mid-1800s home. Myrtle enjoyed refinishing furniture and designed her kitchen, including a unique center island with a two-way pull through drawer to allow access to tableware from either side. The island was mounted on wheels to allow her teenagers to move it aside for dancing. Fascinated with genealogy, she wrote a personal history of her husband’s family for future generations and in 1986 she completed her autobiography. A remarkable and loving woman she will be missed by her children, grandchildren and others who knew her.
She is survived by one son, Norman Charles Thurlow and his wife, Judith Nottage, of Hampden; and two daughters, Margaret T. Richman and husband, Richard, of Chocowinity, N.C., and Melissa Yerxa of Jonesboro; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was also predeceased by her husband, Dr. Charles E. Thurlow, in February 2004; great-grandchild, Andrew William Thurlow, in December 2004; and daughter, Susan Gagne of Bethlehem, Conn., in April 2006. Myrtle’s family extends a special thanks to all those who provided the care and support that allowed Myrtle to stay in her home, and a particularly grateful thank you to Joanna Pinkham, whose loving care and personal sacrifice gave Myrtle the touchstone of love and security she needed.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Donations in Myrtle’s memory may be made to Phillips Public Library, P.O. Box 0, Phillips, ME 04966. Arrangements under the care of Adams-McFarlane Funeral & Cremation Services, 108 Court St., Farmington. Those wishing may send condolences for the family at
www.adamsmcfarlane.com.