Thelma B. Perley, 89, passed away on Jan. 22 at Chase Point Assisted Living Facility in Damariscotta, where she had resided for four years.
She was born on Aug. 18, 1921, the daughter of Merton Berry and Lula Peaslee in Dixmont.
At five years of age, her family moved to Vassalboro where she attended public school. She graduated from Winslow High School in 1939, achieving a top three placement in her class. She then attended Farmington Normal School (now the University of Maine at Farmington) and Thomas College in Waterville.
In 1941, she married Anson T. Perley. Soon after the wedding the couple moved to Damariscotta where they lived for 65 years. In 1956, they founded Perley’s Greenhouse that supported their family until the business was sold in 1976. Thelma took a correspondence course in floral design and arrangements that contributed to the successful sales of flowers for local events. Thelma’s strength was organizing the business and keeping accounting records, doing billing, payroll, inventory and ordering. She handled all the fussy customers, some of which no one else wanted to wait on.
As a second career, Thelma and Anson started Perley Realty in 1977 and she ran the office for the business.
She was a member of the Second Congregational Church of Newcastle for 63 years, serving as Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and a member of the Library Committee. She was also active in the Twin Village Women’s Club for many years and was a Golden Sheaf member of the Nobleboro Grange.
Being avid campers, Thelma and Anson traveled to campgrounds in all the lower 48 states, and were members of the Good Sam Club. Having been raised during the Depression, when luxuries were scarce, she considered books as one of the things she liked the most. Reading became a favorite pastime during evenings and quiet days.
Thelma was predeceased by Anson, her husband of 65 years.
Survivors include son, Kenton Perley and wife Mollie of New Harbor; daughter, Sonia Clime and husband Richard of Bristol; grandchildren, Andrea Perley Cox and husband Ryan of Round Pond, Emily Perley Clime of Newcastle and Ethan Perley Clime, currently in Paulesti, Moldova; and great-grandchildren, Hanna Mae Cox and Cullen William Cox of Round Pond and Thaddeus Anson Berry of Newcastle.
Memorial service 10 a.m., Fri., Jan. 28 at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle with Rev. Kenneth Dale presiding.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Library Fund of the Second Congregational Church, PO Box 243, Newcastle, ME 04553.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
