ROCKLAND — Lenda-Mae Fish, 69, beloved wife of Gordon D. Fish, died peacefully after a brief illness, surrounded by family, Oct. 29, 2012, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Rockland July 2, 1943, she was the daughter of Lendon C. and Madlene Rogers Jackson. Growing up in Rockland, she was educated in local schools and was a 1961 graduate of Rockland High School.

Following graduation, Lenda-Mae was employed at Knox County General Hospital as a clerk. She also worked at several downtown Rockland shops and later, while raising her family, worked part-time at Kings and Ames Department stores. It was in 1986 that Lenda-Mae found her true calling and began serving as part-time nursery school teacher and later as school secretary at Pen Bay Christian School in Rockland. In her 26 years of service to the school, Lenda-Mae looked forward to going to work every day. She had a great love for all the little children at Pen Bay Christian School; students, parents and staff all considered her a dear friend and confidant.

For more than 40 years she had been an active member of Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church. She loved the Lord with all her heart and served Him faithfully. Lenda-Mae held positions on various boards and church committees throughout the years. She was a Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school leader, choir member, pioneer club leader, and for many years, served as church clerk. She loved attending church socials, rarely missing an opportunity to fellowship with her church friends and family.

A devoted mother, she enjoyed being involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Particularly, she loved spending summers surrounded by her family at her Alford Lake Cottage in Hope. In her spare time, Lenda-Mae enjoyed music, local history, collecting antiques, jigsaw puzzles, and most especially knitting.

She will be remembered fondly as a compassionate and loving person, and for her great sense of humor.

Other than her parents, Lenda-Mae was pre-deceased by her sister, Ruth-Ann Ladd March 15, 2001.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 36 years, Gordon D. Fish of Rockland; three daughters and their husbands, Amy. B. and Todd Milliken of Brooks, Ann M. and Bruce Meklin of Thomaston, and Allison M. and Jason Philbrook of Owls Head; 10 grandchildren, Zachary, Lindsey, Nicholas, Timothy, Haley, Amy, Taina, Rachelle, Emma and Naomi; eight great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In honoring her written request, a private family service will held.

As an expression of sympathy, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Pen Bay Christian School, 1 Waldo Avenue, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory or story with Lenda-Mae's family, visit her online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

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