OLD TOWN – Thelma A. Holmes, 77, died peacefully Jan. 27, 2012, surrounded by her family. She was born July 19, 1934, in Old Town, where she lived all her life. She was the daughter of Percy and Maude (Fuller) Edgecomb.
Thelma graduated from Old Town High School in 1952. After high school she planned to start a career as an airline stewardess for American Airlines. After her mother’s untimely death, she decided to stay and help her father care for their family. She began working for Old Town Municipal Court until it combined with Bangor District Court. She worked 47 years before reluctantly retiring. She was a very respected woman within the court system and was extremely fond of “her girls,” who were like family to her. In 2000 she was presented with the Vincent L. McKursick Award. This award meant a great deal to Thelma as did all the people she served, whether it be judges, lawyers, law enforcement, district attorneys or the general public. She always treated people with respect and dignity. She will be remembered by many for her kindness, devotion and her outstanding level for service. Thelma was an avid golfer and loved to travel. She loved her home and her family, especially the loves of her life – her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a dedicated mother, mother-in-law, friend, sister and grandparent.
Thelma is survived by her only son, Michael D. Holmes and his wife, Debbie, of Old Town; brothers, Wayne Edgecomb and his wife, Carol, of Eddington and Vernon and his wife, Shirley, of Florida; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Baker and her husband, Peter, of Old Town, Seth Holmes and his wife, Jennifer, of Westminster, Colo., and Chad Holmes of Lakewood, Colo. Thelma had four great-grandchildren, Maddie Baker, Hailey Holmes, Allie Baker and Nathan Baker. Her fifth great-grandchild, Michael Holmes will arrive in the spring. “Auntie” will be remembered by two special nieces, Deanna Williams of Clifton and Rhonda Edgecomb of Brewer along with her son, Justin Pagan; as well as many other very fond nieces and nephews. Thelma will be fondly remembered by her most dear and devoted friend, Nancy Ellingsen of Old Town and her family; Jay Ellinsen and his wife, Jackie, of Glenburn and their daughter, Dawn Dodge; and Kris Ellingsen and his wife, Stacey, of Virginia and their two sons, Kyle and Taylor. In addition to her parents, Thelma was predeceased by her siblings, Wendall, Homer and Walter Edgecomb; along with her sister, Virginia. Thelma’s family wishes to thank the staff at Orono Commons for her care along with Hospice at Community Health and Counseling. We really appreciated all the support.
Friends and relatives are welcome to call 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at United Baptist Church, 86 Middle St., Old Town, where refreshments will be served after. Interment will be held later in the spring at Lawndale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Orono Commons, care of Hope Boyd, 117 Bennoch Road, Orono, ME 04473, for activities and hairdressing needs of patients in the facility. Notes of condolences may be left at
www.birminghamfuneralhome.com.