Leitha Evelyn Greene Wallace Obituary (1920 - 2012)

SKOWHEGAN — My beautiful mother, Leitha Evelyn Greene Wallace, left her children here on earth on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Leitha, 91, had a very strong faith and was ready to be greeted by the Lord and her loved ones in heaven. Born in Limestone on Aug. 24, 1920, Leitha was the fourth child of Elmer and Elsie (Rix) Greene. She grew up in Belgrade Lakes. She married the love of her life, William Theodore Wallace, on Oct. 26,1938; he died Sept. 15, 1980. In 1943, they moved from the farm in Norridgewock and together owned and operated Wallace’s Radio and TV in downtown Skowhegan. She managed the bookkeeping and ran the record business. Many people have memories of going into the record department and playing records as she lovingly looked on, enjoying their company as well as their business. They sold the business in 1979. Leitha said her salvation was playing golf; she was a member of the Lakewood Ladies Golf Association, as well as the Night Time 9. Leitha was a member of the Federated Church in Skowhegan, where she served as a deacon and, for several years, was co-chairwoman of the Mistletoe Fair. She also served on many other committees. She was a charter member of the Eastern Star, Skowhegan Business and Professional Women and the Redington Fairview Hospital Auxiliary. She loved playing cards onTuesday with her friends. Leitha had only one biological child, but was loved as a mother by her large extended family, and she deeply loved many. She would often say at gatherings, “Thank you God for all my children, I love them all so much.” She was a lady of beauty, grace, charm and, most of all, unconditional love. Leitha is survived by her daughter, Donna Wallace Finley, of Skowhegan; grandson William Finley and his partner, Kenneth Green, of Naples, Fla.; grandson Stephen Finley, and his wife, Shelley Rainey Finley, of Melrose, Mass; two great-grandsons, Thomas Finley of Melrose, Mass., and Jack Finley and friend Katherine O’Neill of Bradford, Mass. She also is survived by a special grandniece, Theresa Mantor, and her husband, Dan, and their children, Reagan and Danny, of Madison; nephew Gary Wallace, who was thought of like a son, and his wife, Elaine, who live next door; nieces Peggy Hydes and husband Scott of Jay, Melinda LaPointe and husband Steve of Norridgewock, Kathy Cameron and husband Mike of Winthrop and Eileen Ferland and husband Jimmy of Sebago; nephews Kenneth Wallace and wife Jane of Mercer, Richard Wallace and wife Roxie of Norridgewock, and Barry Partridge and wife Dina of Madison. Survivors also include a sister, Martha Day, and her husband, Cecil, of Augusta; brother-in-law Walter Babinski of Phoenix, Ariz.; and sister-in-law, Carol Greene McLaughlin of Orlando, Fla. She also leaves many grandnieces and -nephews, as well as her large extended family. She was predeceased by her parents; and four siblings; husband William; son-in-law Peter S. Finley; and two surrogate grandsons, Sean and Michael Finley. The family would like to thank the staff of Redington Memorial Hospital and especially Dr. Roger Renfrew, who provided excellent care for her in her final days. They would also like to thank the staff at Cedar Ridge for their loving and comforting care provided not only to Leitha, but to her family. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 28, at Federated Church in Skowhegan. Visiting hours will be at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Mark Tanner officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peter S. Finley Memorial Scholarship in care of the Guidance Office at Skowhegan Area High School, 61 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, ME 04976