Special to the Pioneer Times
HOULTON – Thetis Churchill celebrated her 100th birthday last Wednesday, Dec. 26 with dozens of friends and family. Churchill explained that those in her large extended family who couldn’t come visit had called her with happy birthday wishes, or sent a card or flowers.
Pioneer Times photo/Elizabeth Gartley
CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY – Thetis Churchill celebrated her 100th birthday last Wednesday, Dec. 22 in Houlton with friends and family.
The oldest of 11 children, Churchill was born in Washburn and spent most of her life moving around the Aroostook region working for her family. Churchill also became well-known for her years teaching cake decorating and rug hooking around the region.
Churchill has two children, her son Arlen Churchill lives in Tucson and her daughter Jackie Simonds lives in Brewer. Churchill also has seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Her sister Louisa Smith lives in Presque Isle, and her youngest brother Dale Whitten still resides in Washburn and was in attendance at the large birthday bash last week.
Yvonne Blake, a friend of Churchill’s, hosted the party, and Pastor Naomi Sam-Kpakra of the Houlton United Methodist Church offered a blessing on the celebration before the cake and ice cream were served. Dozens of friends and relatives came to celebrate the milestone birthday, including grandchildren, nieces and nephews, former rug hooking students, neighbors and old friends.
Family has clearly been one of the most important elements of Churchill’s long life.
“Everybody in the family is very good to me,” she said.
Churchill explained how important maintaining a positive and forgiving attitude has been in her life and not focusing on the mistakes or misdeeds of others, especially of loved ones.
“She’s probably one of the most positive people I’ve ever known,” said Beverly Moody, a friend and neighbor.
Not surprisingly, Churchill has collected an uncountable amount of memories in her 100 years.
“There are so many you couldn’t put them all on paper anyway,” she said.
