CAMDEN —  Winifred M. Wildes, 87, died peacefully, Wednesday, October 28, 2020, just 18 short days after her husband, surrounded by her loving family at the Sussman Hospice House.

Born in Camden, April 2, 1933, she was the daughter of Harry and Marjorie McAulley Earl. Educated in Camden schools, she was a 1952 graduate of Camden High School. Following high school, Winifred worked at vanBaalens for several years.

On March 27, 1957, she married Norman K. Wildes, and together they resided on Limerock Street in Rockland most of their married life. There Winnie devoted her time to her family and raising her three daughters. In the early 1980s she owned and operated Winn-Glo Ceramic studio with her good friend Gloria Whitehouse.

An accomplished crafter, Winnie was happiest in her sewing room. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, crocheting, hooking rugs, and quilting. Each Christmas, her family looked forward to the beautiful handmade gifts she bestowed on each of them. Her generosity did not end with her family, she often donated her quilts to local organizations for fundraisers and charity.

Winnie’s craft skills extended beyond the sewing room and into the kitchen and all around her home. She was best known for her chocolate chip cookies and deviled eggs. Her family remembers she always had more than
enough food at every family cookout and gathering. Together with her husband, she won several Rockland Christmas Decoration Contests, making elaborate displays and scenes in their yard at Christmas time. The
beautiful flower gardens around her home were a sight to behold.

Throughout her life, Winnie loved watching Shirley Temple movies. Her daughters recalled that their mom often recounted the time in her life, when from the age of 5 to 8 Winnie lived with her wealthy grandfather in California. At that time, she was lucky to have attended Shirley Temple’s fifth birthday party. Her love of Shirley Temple stuck with her throughout her life. She was an avid reader, and especially enjoyed romance novels.

Winnie was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. From the time her grandchildren were very young, she helped raise them, was like a second mother, and was a constant support to them all. Each one of them had a very special bond with her. Her house was always the “drop off’ point for the school bus. From grandchildren, great-grands, their friends and neighbors, Winnie was always willing to help care for children after school. Winnie’s steadfast love and support will be missed by all who loved her.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, Norman Wildes on October 10, 2020; her daughter Crystal Wildes; and her three brothers, David, George and Harry P. Earl; Winnie is survived by her daughters Bonnie Jordan and her husband Bruce of Rockland, June Peters and her husband Doug of Sebring, Florida; her grandchildren, Angela Long and her husband Mike of St. George, Amber Guinn of Rockland, Alex Cosenze of Rockland, Andrew Cosenze of California, Abigayle Cosenze and her partner Matt Webb of Newburg, Amber Peters of Belfast; her great-grandchildren, Rachel Batschi and her husband Jordan of Port Orchard, Washington, Sean, Nick and Carrie Long all of St. George, Kelsey and Kestin Guinn of Rockland, Brysen Rankin of Belfast; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Winnie’s life was held on Monday, November 2, 2020. She will be laid to rest privately beside her husband at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta.

To share a memory or condolence with the Wildes’ family, please visit their Book of Memoires at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.