Edith Mae (Curtis) Masters, 89, of Round Pond, passed away peacefully on Oct. 20 at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta.
The daughter of Daniel and Ethel Maude Curtis, she was born April 2, 1918, in Walpole.
She attended grammar school in Walpole, and later went to Lincoln Academy, graduating in 1935. While in high school, Edith worked at local inns and spent one summer working on Heron Island as a housekeeper. After high school she attended Nursing School at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Mass., receiving her nursing cap and pin in 1937. In 1967, she received a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University in Public Health Nursing.
Edith worked as a registered nurse for many years. She was employed by Massachusetts General Hospital, Miles Memorial Hospital, and as a dental nurse for Dr. Claus F. Hinck. Later in her career, she worked as a public health nurse for the City of Portland.
Edith met her husband, George S. Masters, of Round Pond, in Boston, Mass. at a school dance. They fell in love and were married on Oct. 26, 1940. Together they made their home in Round Pond where they raised their two sons.
Edith and George had a loving and supportive marriage. Edith encouraged her husband to start Masters Machine Company in 1957 and worked hard to contribute to its success in the early years of the business. Later, with her family raised, George encouraged Edith to realize her dream of returning to school to get her degree in Public Health Nursing at Boston University.
They both enjoyed visiting friends, playing cards, going to local dances, and eating out, especially at Moody’s Diner. On Sundays they enjoyed drives through the countryside. In later years, they spent the winter months in Venice, Fla.
She was a deeply loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother and she loved to cook. She was known within her family for her delicious and plentiful meals. All four of her grandchildren have many fond memories of Sunday dinner at Grammie’s while growing up, homemade cookies and brownies for after school snacks, and Saturday night home baked beans and yeast rolls.
She particularly enjoyed the summers when she, George, and their two boys would spend time with friends swimming, going on picnics and just plain visiting. Edith often remarked, “Those years were the best of times.”
Edith was a lifelong member of the Eastern Star, the Maine Nursing Association, and the Alumni Association of Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, George S. Masters; and siblings, Sumner, Chester, Clifton, Lawrence, and Gladys Curtis.
She leaves her two sons, Richard C. Masters and wife Martha, and George S. Masters, Jr. and wife Linda, all of Round Pond; grandson, Steven C. Masters and wife Lisa; granddaughter, Marianne Masters, all of Round Pond; grandsons, Eric T. Masters of Worcester, Mass., and Jason G. Masters of Waldoboro; great-grandchildren, Thomas, Nathan and Jacob; step-grandsons, Brett, Thad and Kyle, wife Ellen, all of Round Pond; sister-in-law, Marguerite Curtis of Walpole; nieces and nephews, Marjorie Redonnett of Newcastle and Beverly Rines of Wiscasset, Kathie, John (predeceased), Chester Jr., and Danny Curtis, Beth Drake, Jane Hopkins, and Annette Foster; and several grandnieces and nephews.
Friends and family may call 5-7 p.m., Wed., Oct. 24 at Strong Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
Service to honor Edith 11 a.m., Thurs., Oct. 25 at the funeral home chapel.
She will be laid to rest at Chamberlain Cemetery in Round Pond, following the service.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Washington School House Museum, Round Pond.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Strong Funeral Home, Damariscotta.
