WEST PARIS – Pat Akers, 71, wife of Howard Akers, died at her home on Friday, Jan. 30, after a long illness.

She was born in Rumford on Sept. 21, 1937, the daughter of Edward and Mary (McKellick) Gilks Sr. She was educated in Rumford schools and received her high school diploma in 1977 while working full time days and going to school at night.

She had worked at shoe shops in Norway, as a CNA for many years at Cozy Inn Nursing Home, at Bass Shoe in Rumford, Dutchess Shoe of South Berwick, worked in the laundry department at Market Square Nursing Home and most recently at Agnes Gray School as a med tech.

Pat loved to read, grow flowers, write poems, camp, and spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She touched the lives of countless people during her lifetime. We will always remember her capacity to love, her ability to anticipate and act to meet the needs of others. She will also be remembered for her tremendous strength and unselfishness.

Pat is survived by her husband, Howard Akers, of West Paris; one son, Stephen Akers and his wife, Rebecca, of North Carolina; two daughters, Karon Wing of West Paris and Katherine Hunt of Norway; 13 siblings, George Gilks of Massachusetts, Grace Farnum of Woodstock, Joan Merchant of Milford, Mass., Jean Arsenault of Mexico, Carol Daniels of Texas, Barbara Roberts of Greenwood, Richard Gilks of Massachusetts, Joseph Gilks of Mechanic Falls, Donald Gilks of Rumford, William Gilks of Florida, Gail Downs of Rumford, Kenneth Gilks of Rumford and Douglas Gilks of Hartland; seven grandchildren, Derek Leonard of West Paris, Dustin Hunt of Montana, Sean Akers of Woodstock, N.H., Alicia Akers of North Carolina, Jaime Leonard of West Paris, Jill Hunt of Norway and Nichole Akers of North Carolina; two great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Brochu of West Paris and Lily Varney of Norway.

She was predeceased by three siblings, Edward Gilks Jr., Roy “Buddy” McKellick and Marjorie Gilks.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for making Patricia’s final days in her home so peaceful.

Special thanks to the staff of Agnes Gray School and the Oxford Hannaford for all their love and support.