Edith Jane Hyde Thompson, 84, of New Harbor, passed away peacefully in her sleep, at her home on the morning of Nov. 15.
She was born on Sept. 26, 1925, in Pittsfield, Mass., the daughter of Jane and Irving Hyde. She and her family lived in Stamford, Conn. as well as Glastonbury, Conn.
Edith survived a serious illness as a young girl, demonstrating strength of will that served her well for the rest of her life.
As a young woman, Edith attended, and graduated from, Hartford Hospital Nursing School, where she earned her degree as an R.N. She practiced her profession at Miles Memorial Hospital before her marriage, and she spent her lifetime caring for and assisting others, especially older members of her community who were ill or homebound. She was well known for providing thoughtful and selfless care for those in her community. Her family has memories of her shoveling her elder neighbors’ paths in the winter.
Edith summered with her family in New Harbor at the Thompson House, where she met Dan Thompson, the proprietress’s son, whom she married on April 27, 1947.
The couple bought the Thompson House from Dan’s mother, where they provided rooms for guests and served three home-cooked meals a day, rising early to bake, tending pigs, and digging clams for shore dinners. Guests and other diners came from near and far to enjoy Mrs. Thompson’s exceptional New England fare. Over the period of several decades, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson expanded the Inn into Thompson House and Cottages on the oceanfront in New Harbor. The couple operated their business successfully for 50 years. Mrs. Thompson was an ever-gracious and elegant hostess to her guests.
Mrs. Thompson also loved caring for plants and animals. She enjoyed the challenge of growing and propagating exotic plants (amaryllis, African violets, and orchids). She adored dogs and had a special place in her heart for terrier breeds. She always owned several animals and once bred her dogs as well. She leaves behind her beloved miniature Schnauzer, Daisy.
Mrs. Thompson was a member of Eastern Star and she participated in the Bristol Footlighters, a local annual variety show.
Mrs. Thompson is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dan; sons, Craig and wife Shirley of Sarasota, Fla., Guy and wife Paula of Damariscotta, and Merle and wife Karen of New Harbor; grandchildren, Ryan and Seth Thompson, Kristi Backus, Sara Grubbs, Jeff Thompson, Kim Thompson and Katherine Thompson; as well as four great-grandchildren.
Service of remembrance 1 p.m., Sun., Nov. 22 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home in Damariscotta.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bristol Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 412, New Harbor, ME 04554.
Condolences for the family may be expressed at www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
