ROCKLAND – Madeline G. Philbrick, 96, died peacefully on Dec. 6, 2016, at Knox Center for Long Term Care, following a period of declining health.

Born in Rockland on June 2, 1920, she was the daughter of Rhama and Gladys Melhman Philbrick. Educated locally, Madeline was a 1938 graduate of Rockland High School.

Following high school, Madeline studied at the renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts.

Madeline lived a full and vibrant life; a life that touched many others along the way. She had a sharp wit and keen business sense. For most of her career, she was employed as a real estate broker and appraiser. She also owned and managed several properties in the Rockland area. It was the ownership of the building that housed the Maine Wok Restaurant that would change Madeline's life forever. Here she met Lily Lam, a 10-year-old girl from China who moved here with her family to operate the restaurant. Although Lily did not speak a word of English, the two became fast friends and Madeline took her under her wing. When Lily came to live with Madeline, she would spend countless hours and late nights helping her with her homework, as she learned English from scratch. Lily and Madeline have been a steadfast support system for each other, and just a few years ago, they were both pleased when Madeline legally adopted Lily as her daughter.

Throughout her life, Madeline was active in the community, serving on numerous boards and committees. Most notably she was a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee, during the planning and construction of the Knox Center for Long Term Care, as well as the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army, Rockland Corps. She was an active volunteer at Pen Bay Medical Center as well as serving on the board there.

In recent years, Madeline and Lily have enjoyed taking trips to Portland and Augusta to go shopping. They looked forward to their annual trip to Newport, R.I., to watch the tennis event there. During her down-time, Madeline enjoyed knitting, often making gifts for others.

She will be sadly missed.

Predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Arthur Schofield; Madeline is survived by her daughter, Lily Lam of Rockland; her nephews, Rhama Schofield and his wife, Debora, of South Portland, and Glenn Schofield and his wife, Peggy, of Jonesport; her grandnephew, Shawn Schofield and his wife, Hannah, of Virginia; a grandniece, Brianna Smithey and her husband, Jim, of Florida; two great-grandnieces; and one great-grandnephew.

At Madeline's request, her family will remember her life privately at Achorn Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rockland Congregational Church, Abiding Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 554, Rockland, ME 04841.

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