Thelma A. Gormley

She was born in1922 in Westbrook, Maine, the daughter of James A. and Irene M. Drinkwater. At the age of 14 she moved to Portland, attended local schools, and graduated from Portland High School. Here she met many lifelong friends including her future husband. Edson J. Gormley and Thelma were married on February 1, 1943.

Thelma and her 13 siblings were 12th generation Mayflower descendants. Her family lived in this area for many generations and played a part in settling Yarmouth, Maine.

She worked at Watkins Cleaners in Portland in the early 1940s and during WW II while her husband served in the Air Force.

Thelma was active in the PTA and a member of the West End Ladies Bowling League. She also served as an elections ward clerk for many years. She loved reading, swimming and spending time in the summer camping with friends and family.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Portland where she sang in the church choir, cared for children in the nursery and was a deaconess. Her faith in God was an important part of her life.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edson, in 2011. She is survived by a son, Edson, Jr., and his wife, Nora, of Windham; daughters, Margaret and her husband, Don Heck, of Windham; Carol and her husband, John Fecteau, of Windham; and Jean and her husband, Philip Rundgren, of Waterboro. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Her family extends a very special thank you to the Barron Center and Beacon Hospice who provided Thelma with wonderful care.

Those who desire may make donations in Thelma’s memory to:

Alzheimer’s Association

Maine Chapter

383 US Route One, Suite 2C

Scarborough, ME 04074

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Thursday, September 17, 2015 from 5-7 PM at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Michael Olmstead officiating. Interment will follow the service at Brooklawn Memorial Park, 2002 Congress St. Portland.