Laura Virginia (Walker) Toothaker (1922-2019)

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Laura Virginia (Walker) Toothaker

FAYETTE – Laura Virginia (Walker) Toothaker, 97, Boston Post Cane holder for Phillips, passed peacefully at the home of her youngest son, Richard, in the early morning hours of Monday, March 11, 2019.

She was born on March 1, 1922, in Avon, a daughter of Dana and A. Edith (Hinkley) Walker. She was salutatorian of the Phillips High School Class of 1939.

She was a devoted mother who raised five sons and faithfully served her beloved hometown of Phillips as Town Manager for 36 years, retiring at the “young age” of 84. She also served as a volunteer EMT and Board Member for AMPS Ambulance Service for over 20 years. Laura was also a woman of strong faith. She was a member of the Phillips Congregational Church and was a 50 year member of the church choir; choir rehearsals were often held at her home on the River Road on Thursdays.

She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the (8 & 40). In her early 90’s, she received the State of Maine Auxiliary “Person of the Year” Award. Prior to her failing eyesight, she enjoyed daily crossword puzzles and was a very serious cribbage enthusiast. For so long as she was able, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting and reading and she always enjoyed caring for God’s creatures, welcoming birds at her feeders and deer at her son’s home.

She is loved by her three surviving sons: Dana of Strong, David of Florida and Richard of Fayette; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews; a grateful community and lifelong collection of friends. She was predeceased by two sons: Virgil and Everett; a brother, Everett Walker; three sisters: Ethel Bubier, Margaret Bachelder and Bessie Walker.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday May 10, 2019 at 11 a.m. from the Phillips Congregational Church, with Rev. Susan Tierney officiating. Following services, a comfort reception, hosted by the Hospitality Committee, will be held at the Avon Community Hall. All are welcome. Her family suggests remembrance gifts be given to the church at PO Box 273 Phillips, Me. 04966 c/o Church Moderator Mary Dunham. Private family committal at the Evergreen Cemetery, Phillips.

You are invited to share a memory or kind word on her memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

Cremation and memorial service arrangements are in the care of the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., (Rtes. 2 & 27) Farmington.

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11 Comments

  1. I can’t remember my life without my neighbor and friend in it. From the many meetings I sat through as a child, the occasional babysitting she did for my mom of me,the trips in her beetle car, her always mowing her lawn, her dog Sammy coming to visit and how she wouldn’t let me keep him because he was her sons , my horse faithfully rolling in her newly planted garden every spring and how she would laugh and just replant it, to many evening visits discussing town, fire department and school board issues with her insight and knowledge. Our last visit she knew her time was limited but she took it in stride.. Thank you for enriching my life Laura. RIP and God’s speed

  2. Very sad to read this. Laura was an icon for Phillips for so many years. Wonderful person who could not be replaced. Condolences to the family.

  3. 1988 I had contact with her on building the house on Bridge Hill Rd, I always remember what she said to me at that time about how she hoped That “” I was only going to build this one house, as Phillips didn’t want a busy street up there.”” Quite a lady.

  4. Our sincere condolences to Lauras family, especially her grandson Bobby, she was a great asset to the town of Phillips. Rest In Peace Laura.

  5. Our sincere condolences to Dana, David, Dick and families. Laura was a respected and loved lady. Her love for Phillips shined through in her actions and conversations. She knew a great deal of Phillips history and remained alert and active in many community organizations and activities..She was a watchdog for Phillips while serving as Town Manager and a tough act to follow. She will be missed, and remembered, by many.

  6. Sending condolences to all of the family. Laura will be missed may she R.I.P. Beanie and Lauraly.

  7. Laura will remain an icon to her Town of Phillips for years to come.
    Her church family adored her. The choir had a special close relationship together. When she no longer drove, we met at her house every week for practice. During the last year or so,when her eyesight and hearing were failing Pat and Kate would enlarge her music, Pastor Susan enlarged Sunday’s sermon for her. Paul and Barb picked her up every Sunday.We all tried to supplement to make it easier for her.She hardly ever missed a Sunday and it was her faith that inspired all of us to be there with her every Sunday.
    Rest in peace dear Laura, you have certainly earned it! Love to all her family, Mary

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