Obituary

Astrid Philbrook, obituary

Tue, 10/13/2015 - 2:00pm

ROCKLAND and VINALHAVEN — On Oct. 10, 2015, Astrid R. Philbrook passed away suddenly while visiting her niece at the hospital. Her long life of 91 years was filled with similar acts of kindness and caring for her family, friends and neighbors. This past year Astrid lived at Bartlett Woods in Rockland with Wyman, her husband of 52 years. She was born in Vinalhaven, where she lived most of her life.

Astrid was always energetic and ambitious. She worked for the New England Telephone Company, and then was assistant manager for the Vinalhaven Branch of Depositors Trust/Key Bank for 25 years. She was a Worthy Matron in the Eastern Star. After retirement she became an active community volunteer spending time at the Vinalhaven Historical Museum and was treasurer for both the island newspaper, The Wind, as well as the Friends of the Library. Her love of children was shown during her time as a Girl Scout leader and the many hours she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Astrid's perennial gardens flourished, her paintbrushes created a variety of beautiful oil paintings, and her knitting needles made many hats, mittens, and sweaters still passed on in the family.

Astrid was always proud of her Swedish heritage and her immigrant parents. Many strong bonds were formed with descendants in Sweden through her two trips and many visitors from Sweden.

Predeceased by her two brothers, Kay, and Fabian; a step-son, Wyman Jr.; and a nephew, Douglas Rosen; Astrid is survived by her beloved husband, Wyman; her daughter and son-in-law, Kristine and Donald Sperry; her sisters-in-law, Priscilla Rosen, Marion Tolman and Sherry Winslow; her daughter-in-law, Hyon Philbrook; her grandchildren, Jennifer Slot, Dana Sperry, and Jason, Jackie and Jeffrey Philbrook; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Astrid's life will be honored Monday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. at the Union Church in Vinalhaven. A luncheon will follow in the church vestry.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to either Vinalhaven Historical Society, P.O. Box 339, Vinalhaven, ME 04863 or The Wind, P.O. Box 194, Vinalhaven, ME 04863.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.