PHILLIPS – M. Adele (Heath) Thorndike, 82, of Philllips, passed away at the Sandy River Nursing Facility in Farmington, on November 29, 2020.
She was born in Phillips to John Buck and Mildred (McMullin) Buck (Smith) and was raised in the house her grandfather, Robert McMullen, built on Dodge Road. She was a graduate of Phillips High School. Adele met and married Charles Heath and they raised a daughter, Kaye and a son, Robert. She went back to school and earned her Teaching Certificate at the University of Maine in Farmington. She spent her career teaching in Weld, Wilton and Phillips. After retirement she returned to the Phillips school as a Teachers’ Aide/Ed-Tech. Adele lost her husband Charlie in 1991. A few years later, she married Robert (Pop) Thorndike. Pop passed away two years ago. Some of her favorite activities throughout her life were visiting with friends, attending church and singing in the choir, playing golf, and sewing quilts.
Adele is survived by her daughter, Kaye Newell and husband Walter and their son Joe; her son, Robert Heath and wife Carie and their three sons Joshua, Riley and Ian; her sister, Roberta Gerrish of Illinois; her step-children, Robert (Bobby) Thorndike and wife Karen; Brenda Voter and husband Verne; Bruce Thorndike and wife Leslie; Barry Thorndike and wife Janie. Others include many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents; a stepfather; her brother, Ronald Buck; her half-brother, Larry Smith; and step-son, Brian Thorndike who passed away earlier this year.
A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery on Dodge Road (Phillips) on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at 11 am, with Rev. Susan Tierney officiating. Due to State regulations, the service is limited to 100 guests and masks are required to be worn. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.
My thoughts and prayers to Adele’s family. She was the kindness, sweet lady I’ve ever met. Always had a smile and ask how you r doing. Both my boys knew her when they were in school and they both thought highly of her.. she will be missed….
Bob, Kaye and family. So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of your Mom and Dad growing up on Whitney Street. They were wonderful people. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m sorry to hear of Adele’s passing. She was a soft-spoken lady of many talents.I had the pleasure of working with her in the early 80s at the old Phillips Elementary. We all looked forward to days when Adele brought into the teachers’ room still-warm raised, glazed doughnuts – having started the process at 4:00 a.m. – on a school day! My condolences –
Tracy
Thoughts and prayers are with Adele’s family. I was so fortunate to work with Adele when I taught second grade in Phillips. During my first year in that position, Adele gave me guidance and wonderful ideas, but only when I was smart enough to ask. My memories of that time, and of our friendship, are some of my fondest. Rest in peace, Adele.