1935 – 2016

MECHANIC FALLS — Betty Jane Thurlow, 80, of Mechanic Falls died unexpectedly at home at Bucknam Oaks on Tuesday, April 19.

She was born in Lewiston on Oct. 12, 1935, to Merlvin and Elizabeth Benson Taylor. She was the oldest of eight children. She graduated from Mechanic Falls High School in 1954 and married Kendall Thurlow on May 20, 1955.

Betty worked at Marcal Paper Mills as a paper tester for many years. She also worked at the Mechanic Falls High School.

Betty loved knitting, cross-stitching, and especially sewing. Quilting was her specialty; she had won ribbons at the Cumberland Fair. She was working on quilts up until the day she died. She had an unwavering love of cats. Betty loved to cook and eat at restaurants, and never met a fried scallop she didn’t like. Betty had a green thumb for outdoor gardening, which was evident in her amazing flower beds.

The last few years, she struggled with rheumatoid arthritis. Her hands and joints were very deformed, but what always amazed us was her determination to continue doing what she loved to do. We will be forever proud of her. Betty’s life was made infinitely better because of her cousin, Linda Kimball, who was there the moment she was needed.

You did not call Betty, under any circumstances, during “Wheel of Fortune” or “Jeopardy!” or risk the wrath of the tiny redhead.

She is survived by her ex-husband, Kendall of Mechanic Falls; her daughter, Carmen E. Freitas and husband, John, of Poland Spring; her son, Brian K. Thurlow of Lewiston; granddaughter, Nicole Moore and husband, Kasey, of Lewiston; her sister, Gloria Chabot and husband, Roland, of Mechanic Falls; brothers, Clarence Taylor of Mechanic Falls, and Kenneth Taylor of Alaska; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her first-born grandson, Cory J. Freitas — Betty, give Cory a hug from all of us; a sister, Marion Williams; and brothers, Allen and David Taylor.

Carmen and Brian wish to thank everyone at Bucknam Oaks and Aunt Gloria for all the help and support she gave our mother.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.