THOMASTON — Virginia Mae Frankowski, 79, died peacefully Aug. 26, 2014, at Owls Head Homestead.

Born in Thomaston on May 31, 1935, she was the daughter of Stanley and Blanche Nosal Frankowski. Educated locally, she was a 1953 graduate of Thomaston High School.

Following high school, Virginia received a Bachelor of Science from Gorham State Teachers College in 1957. Later in 1964, she received her Master of Education at the University of Maine at Orono. For one year she taught first-grade in Chelsea, before taking her career to her hometown roots of Thomaston. For more than 29 years, Virginia, or Ms. Frankowski, as she was known to the many students whose lives she touched, taught first-grade at Lura Libby School. She retired in 1987 after a long and fulfilling career.

Always active, Virginia was a member of the Maine Teachers Association, National Education Association, Knox County Retired Teachers Association, Maine Farm Bureau, Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District and St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Rockland.

She was passionate about nature and the outdoors and could often been seen feeding the crows and observing their individual characteristics. She took great joy in keeping beautiful and bountiful flower and vegetable gardens and believed strongly in protecting the environment.

Virginia was well read, and kept herself up to date with world affairs and political happenings. She enjoyed watching Red Sox baseball, Jeopardy and other quiz shows on television. She was also an immaculate housekeeper, enjoying decorating, and cooking and baking, often trying new recipes.

Paramount in Virginia's life was her family. She was a devoted caregiver who tended to the needs of her family throughout her lifetime. She also sent notes of encouragement to shut-ins and friends. She will be remembered as a helping hand to those in need.

Virginia was predeceased by a sister, Sophie Cayton; three brothers, Oliver Sr., Tony and Alfred Frankowski; and a sister-in-law, Hazel Frankowski. Shea is survived by her nephews, Oliver Frankowski Jr. and his wife, Cathy, of Dexter, and James Frankowski and his wife, Sylvia, of Warren; her grandnephew, Aric Frankowski, his wife, Amanda, and their children, Jessica and Logan, all of Florida; as well as several cousins.

A graveside celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. at Village Cemetery on Erin Street in Thomaston.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841 or Owls Head Homestead, 7 North Shore Drive, Owls Head, ME 04854.

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