Gertrude Mae Lewis Tibbetts died peacefully April 25 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Aug. 14, 1926 in Boothbay Harbor, to Edmund and DeVeda Lewis.
Gert attended Boothbay Harbor High School where she graduated in 1944. She always said that her favorite subject in school was ‘Recess.’ After graduation she went to work at Rice’s Factory, the Lewis Luncheonette, that her parents owned, and the Boothbay Harbor Telephone office.
In 1947 Gertrude met and married Harmon Tibbetts and moved to Florida for a short time before returning to Boothbay, as Gert was homesick for Maine. In 1951 they moved to Connecticut where she worked for Pratt & Whitney until 1955, returning back to Boothbay Harbor where she was happy to live out the rest of her life.
Gert was delighted to stay at home and be a mom to four wonderful children. Sadly, she became a Gold Star Mother after her son Gordon was killed in Vietnam in 1971, bravely serving his country. After raising her children, she returned to work at North Star, restaurant and hotel, working in the kitchen. She also worked at the Tugboat Inn as a baker.
Her final job was at The Rocktide Inn, where she was a baker and became known as “The Muffin Lady” for 20-plus years. She volunteered at St. Andrews Village, helping with Bingo and spending time cheering up the residents.
She was a member of the Eastern Star, Crescent Chapter #54 OES, and belonged to the Legion Auxiliary. She attended the First United Methodist Church of Boothbay Harbor, where she belonged to the United Methodist Women’s Group. She also attended church services at the Boothbay Community Fellowship at the American Legion Hall.
One of her favorite things in life was spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends. She also enjoyed making people happy, was always good for a joke, and loved playing games and cards. She was an avid dog lover.
Gertrude is predeceased by her parents, Edmund and DeVeda Lewis; four brothers; one sister; husband, Harmon W. Tibbetts Jr.; and son, Gordon E. Tibbetts.
She is survived by her brother, Albert Lewis of Connecticut; daughter, Nancy Stoddard and husband Lee of Boothbay Harbor; sons, Edward Tibbetts and wife Kathy, and Rick Tibbetts and wife Linda, all of Boothbay Harbor; grandchildren, Corey Tibbetts of Boothbay Harbor, Katrina Dunsmore and companion James Barter of Boothbay, Benjamin Tibbetts of South Portland, Randy Tibbetts of Boothbay Harbor, Jennifer Tibbetts of Boothbay Harbor, and Ricky Tibbetts of Edgecomb; great-granddaughters, Gracie Rose of Boothbay, and Adaline Barter of Boothbay; great-grandson, James Ryan Barter, born April 30; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Celebration of life service was May 6 at the First United Methodist Church, Boothbay Harbor.
Family requests that donations in Gertrude’s honor be made to The First United Methodist Church, 77 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.
You are invited to share your condolences, photos and tributes with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.
