Athena S. Harkins

South Paris- Athena S. Harkins 96, of Auburn died Thursday November 17, at Market Square Nursing Home in S. Paris. She was born in Lewiston on August 15 1920 a daughter of the late George and Rose (Spaulding) Bouchles. She was educated in Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School class of 1939. Athena married Thomas A. Harkins on June 12, 1939, and together they settled in Auburn to raise their three children. He predeceased her on January 21, 1994. She worked for 18 years at Bates Manufacturing, retiring in 1983. She was a member of St. Philip’s Church and Horizon 55. She enjoyed traveling, snowshoeing, reading, knitting, and going for long walks. She also loved spending her winters in Arizona with her husband and most of all spending time with her family. She leaves her daughter Lynda Dow and her husband Richard of Turner, two sons Thomas M. Harkins and his wife Caryl of Saco and David Harkins and his wife Cindy of Minot, two sisters Lorraine Hering of MI and Anne Deletesky of Auburn, a brother Charles Bouchles of Tuscon AZ, a half-sister Olympia Snowe of Auburn, a half-brother John Bouchles of Auburn. She also leaves 7 grandchildren, Daniel (Jennifer) Harkins of Greenwich, Connecticut; Tasha (Ted) Cooper of Minot; Curtis (Carol) Dow of Turner; Barbara (Bentley) Woodcock of Kingfield; Erik Dow of Henderson, NV; Michael (Tatiana) Harkins of Alpharetta, GA; and Tiffiny (David) Chase Harkins of Houlton; 17 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers James and George Bouchles. You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Athena’s life by visiting her guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

She will be laid to rest privately next to her husband Thomas at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Fortin Group/Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn 783-8545.