ROCKLAND — Andrea A. Timchak, 72, wife of William Timchak, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, Oct. 29, 2012, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born March 5, 1940, in Bridgeport, Conn., Andrea was the daughter of John and Johanna Andrejko. Educated in Connecticut, Andrea graduated in 1956 at the age of 16 from St. John's Catholic Girls School.

Following high school, Andrea studied to be a secretary and was employed as such with Bridgeport Brass until meeting her future husband, William Timchak. Although she knew William from childhood, due to the fact that both of their grandmothers were Slovakian immigrants, they had never connected as adults. It wasn't until William was helping his sister at her wedding shower that he met up with Andrea again. He said he knew the night they met he was going to marry her and she felt the same. The two were married May 14, 1960. Together they shared nearly 53 years of marriage and made their home in Connecticut until moving to Maine in 2006.

Following their marriage, Andrea took on the full-time job of raising their family of five children. During this time, she also made a living by teaching sewing and quilting, and making and selling crafts. She also coordinated several quilt projects from squares decorated by parents depicting town landmarks. These quilts are treasured items that still hang in CosCob School and Riverside School today. She also worked on banners and projects for her church. She was very active in the PTA, CosCob School and St. Catherine's of Sienna Catholic Church, where she helped establish a bookstore.

After the birth of her youngest child, Andrea returned to working outside the home, first for Karen's Fabric in Greenwich, Conn., and later for 10 years as the manager of Estate Treasures Antiques and Consignment in Riverside. She finished her career as a sales representative for Riverside Floor Covering.

Moving to Maine in 2006, Andrea and Bill bought a fixer-upper Victorian home that they spent more than two years restoring back to its original glory. During this time she was employed with The Right Stuff in Camden and Sea Gull Cottage in Rockland. For the past two years, Andrea has been home bound, fighting a gallant battle with cancer.

Predeceased by her father; and a daughter, Cathy Riccelli in 2010; Andrea is survived by her mother, Johanna Andrejko of Stratford, Conn.; her husband, William Timchak of Rockland; her children, Michael Timchak and his wife, Jana, of Lincolnville, Joyce Timchak of Greenwich, Conn., Steve Timchak and his wife, Emily, of Norwalk, Conn., Jeannine Audet and her husband, Christopher, of Searsport; a sister, Joyce Harney and her husband, Arthur, of Stratford, Conn.; seven grandchildren, Annie, Jacob, Wyatt, and Ethan Timchak, and Jessica, Thomas and Brooke Riccelli; as well as many nieces; nephews; and extended family members.

Friends and family are invited to visit and pay their respects Friday, Nov. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. Then on Saturday, Nov. 3, a celebration of her life service will be held at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Richard Malo will officiate.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to either Miles of Hope, 21 Limerock St., Rockland, ME 04841, which provides volunteer driving to those in need of medical treatment; the Bob Gagnon Cancer Care Center or Pen Bay Medical Center, c/o Pen Bay Healthcare, 22 White St., Rockland, ME 04841.

A memorial service is being planned for Spring 2013 in Connecticut for those unable to attend services in Maine.

To read a full obituary or sign Mrs. Timchak's Book of Memories, visit www.bchfh.com.