W
ilmaT hompson A nders, RN was born Sept. 11th, 1932, in Cherryfield, the
daughter of Harry and Ella S. (Grant) Thompson. Wilma was a 1952 graduate of Eastern Maine General Hospital, where she worked
for several years. She worked as a registered nurse and housekeeper to the 9th and 10th Roman Catholic Bishop, Diocese of
Portland. She was a communicant of St. Teresa's Catholic Church, Brewer, and was a member of Society of Saint Mary Magdalene.
Other memberships and involvement include the American Legion Auxiliary; Libby Mitchell Post No. 76, Scarborough; Brewer Historical
Society, serving on the board of directors; auxiliary member of the 20th Maine Company-B Volunteer Infantry Regiment Re-enactors
since 1999; the National Trust for Historic Preservation; the EMGH/EMMC Husson Alumni; and the Cherryfield Alumni Association.
Wilma had a special interest in and studied the American Civil War especially General Chamberlain and she studied British
history and the queen mother. She enjoyed designing and sewing of handmade quilts, enjoyed symphony music and theatre and
the Brewer Hometown Band. She gained much pleasure in her teachings and playing the part of Sarah Chamberlain, General Chamberlain's
mother, during presentations and speaking at conventions. For this, she was nominated for the Brewer Citizen of the Year,
in 2007. Wilma was thankful to Dr. Deborah Hoffert, Dr. Jeffrey Jordan, Dr. Paul Ronco, Dr. Paul Szal and Dr. Peter Bernhardt
for their wonderful care and support during her last years, and to those who loved and helped her during her lifetime. Surviving
at the time, in addition to her mother-Ella Thompson of Brewer, are one grandson-Von Andres Parent and his mother-Penny Parent,
of Bradley; and several cousins. She was predeceased by two sons-Brent and Von Anders. She was residing in Brewer,
Me., and remembered by special friends of the 20th Maine who were very dear to her, bringing comfort and support especially
during the years of her illness until her death on February 16th, 2008 at 75 years of age. Her gravesite is at
the Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, in Bangor, Me.
