Edna J. Twitchell

SOUTH PARIS — Edna J. Twitchell, 89, passed away at Market Square Nursing Home on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018.

Edna was born to Benjamin F. Philbrick and Elizabeth Alice (Harding) Philbrick on Jan. 4, 1929, in Frye, the youngest of 11 children. During the first year of her life, her mother and sisters moved to Welchville, where she grew up. Edna attended Welchville Elementary School. One of her passions in her early adult years was attending the Advent Christian Camp meetings in Mechanic Falls, where she met the love of her life, Thomas J. Twitchell. They were married on June 17, 1950 and celebrated 68 years of marriage this last June.

Edna had a great passion for children and ran a day care center for over 55 years. At one time, she had the names and pictures of the over 300 children, who knew the love and care that she gave. When she suffered a stroke five years ago, her second home became Market Square Nursing Home. While there, she was cared for by former children or parents of children she had been blessed to have in her day care.

Edna attended the Norway Church of the Nazarene from the time it was organized until her declining health prevented her from attending. Her love of God and her love of church were very important to her.

Edna is survived by her husband, Thomas J. Twitchell; her daughter, Susan J. Hanscom of Mason Township; her son, Stephen T. Twitchell of Oxford; a grandson and granddaughter; four great-grandchildren; a step-grandson and three step-great-grandchildren; and a step-granddaughter and three step-great-grandchildren. Edna is also survived by two step-great-grandsons, Brandon and Trevor Boody of Bridgton; and a special niece.

Edna is predeceased by her parents; brothers and sisters; and a step-granddaughter, Tina Richardson Boody.

Condolences and tributes may be shared with Edna’s family at www.chandlerfunerals.com

A memorial graveside service will be held on Sat., Aug. 25, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Fore Street Cemetery in Oxford.

Gifts may be given in Edna’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202.

Arrangements are in the care of the Chandler Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, South Paris.