CAMDEN — Theodate “Teddy” (Shute) Wilcox , 95, passed away at her home on May 21, 2025 surrounded by her family. Born in Prospect on June 1, 1929, she was one of 11 children born to Manley Sr. and Velma (Ashworth) Shute. In 1946, she graduated from Camden High School. That same year she was married to John Wilcox. They built a home in Camden where they raised 4 children. She took pride in telling people that she had lived in the same house for more than 75 years.

Teddy worked at many jobs over her lifetime. Her first was at Rexall Drugstore in Camden where she met John. Her other jobs included babysitting children in her home, Baldwin Dry Cleaners, cleaning cottages, took in laundry, and cleaning boats at Wayfarer Marine. Teddy prepared luncheons for the Rotary Club for a number of years. In 1974, she became an owner of Hamburger Haven in West Rockport where she worked with her two sons for many years.

A cub scout den mother and a 4-H leader, Teddy was also a member of the Knox County Extension, Rockport Garden Club, and the Camden Historical Society. A long-time member and past president of the Camden Lions Club, in 2013 Teddy was the recipient of the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest recognition given by the Lions Clubs International. In addition, she was an active member of the Camden Methodist Church over the years where she kept involved with the monthly suppers, annual church sale and many receptions held there until she was no longer able to do so.

In addition to her parents, Teddy was predeceased by husband John Wilcox, who died in 1986; brothers, Manly Shute Jr, Lester Shute, Richard Shute, Emery Shute; sisters Edna Shute, Emily Shute, Pearl Seekins, Justina DiTaranto, and Isabel Milewski.

Surviving are her children Larry (Susan) Wilcox of Warren, Scott (Sarah) Wilcox of Houlton, Lynne Clark of Lincolnville, and Sheree (Martin) Bailey of The Villages, Florida; grandchildren, Melissa Mclure (fiancé Jeremy Lupien), Matthew (Denise) Clark, Shawn (Andrea) Wilcox, Angela (Jeremy) Allen, Stephen Wilcox (fiancé Megan Staples), Michael (Amy) Clark, Nathan (Rachael) Clark, Kelly (Mark) Tracey, John Wilcox (partner Kristine) and Taylor Gerrish; 13 great grandchildren,1 great-great granddaughter; sister Barbara (Lee) Jackson, several nephews, nieces and cousins.

The family would like to thank everyone at the Sussman House for their help and support which allowed us to keep Mom at home. Special thanks to Nicole, Chelsi, Hannah and Nathan for their kindness, compassion with easing mom home to her eternal resting place.

At her request there are no public services. Private family interment will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Camden Lions Club, 10 Lions Ln, Camden ME 04843. 

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.