WEST PARIS – Rosalie Thurston Wight, 94, of Bethel, died Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Ledgeview Living Center, where she had resided for three years.

She was born in Bethel, the daughter of Paul and Elsie (Hall) Thurston. She was a graduate of Gould Academy in 1933, and Simmons College, Class of 1937. During her years at Gould and Simmons, she was fortunate to attend two historically significant events. In 1933, she traveled with her father and a group by boat and train to Washington, D.C., and attended the first inauguration and inaugural ball of FDR. In 1936, she and a Simmons’ classmate traveled to Europe on the Queen Mary, where they toured Europe by train and attended the Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. They saw Jessie Owens win his four gold medals.

After college graduation, she worked as a social worker in the Lewiston area. In 1938, she married Daniel Wight of Newry and lived in Rumford until ill health forced her to become a resident of Ledgeview.

During her life in Rumford, she participated in many community activities. She loved to read and travel. She and Dan took several trips abroad with friends to places like Hawaii, Western Canada, and Europe.

Her reading contributed to her being a longtime member of the Rumford Public Library Board. She was treasurer for many years in her family’s business, J.A. Thurston Inc., which manufactured hardwood dowels. She finally retired at the age of 84.

She is survived by her son, Eric and his wife, Karen, of Bethel; grandson, Nathan and his wife, Debbie, of Bethel; great-grandchildren, Sarah, Elizabeth and Katie; granddaughter, Jennifer Grover and husband, Lawrence, of Mason Township; and two great-grandchildren, Jessica and Kurtis.

She was predeceased by her parents; her stepmother, Florence; her husband, Dan in 1999; her son, Kevin in 1978; and her brother, Murray on Nov. 25.