Edwyna M. Orchard Obituary (1928 - 2014)

SHAWMUT, MAINE--Edwyna “Dee Dee” Orchard passed away on April 5, at home, surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born February 21, 1928, in Augusta, Maine to Hermon and La Vera (Burgess) Meigs. Her childhood was spent in Shawmut, where her love of family, the outdoors and all that life offers was nourished. One of Edwyna’s favorite pastimes was sharing memories with her family. She shared stories of her youth of sliding, skating and building giant bonfires. She fondly reminisced about visiting her grandparents in Windsor and walking to Hussey’s General Store for penny candy, and fishing in the brook. Edwyna’s compassion was learned at an early age when she would help her mother feed the homeless from the trains and try to find them odd jobs to pay their way. She fondly recalled making homemade ice cream which was the foundation of her tremendous work ethic. She and her father would share the ice cream with the mill workers at the end of their shifts. Her family was very familiar with her phrase, “Those were the good ole days.” Edwyna was the happiest and most at peace when she was in the Maine outdoors. She loved fishing and camping on Moosehead Lake, ice skating and swimming in the Kennebec River, and clamming and eating lobsters on the coast. Her favorite destination was sitting on the front porch of the Sea Breeze cottage in Pemaquid, Maine. Edwyna was a tireless worker with an exceptional work ethic. From a young age, Edwyna worked at the local mills during the war. She worked for years at Leon Lord’s hen house picking and packing eggs. She finished her working years when she retired at the age of 74 as the favorite waitress to many locals at the Eating House Restaurant. Edwyna was the epicenter of the family as she loved considerably and unconditionally. After the birth of her first great grandchild, she became known as “Dee Dee”, as her great grandchild would pronounce “G’s” as “D’s”. She considered herself blessed as a great grandmother. In recent years she was able to attend Brogan’s college graduation, Taija and Josh’s wedding, and never missed one of Nia’s home basketball games. She always enjoyed her visits from Cameron, who would entertain her with his sense of style. Paige always put a big smile on her face and she looked forward to learning of all the happenings with Trevor and Ethan. Edwyna especially enjoyed her homemade treats and visits with Breezy. Edwyna lived life to the fullest by always giving of herself without hesitation. Dee Dee forgave quickly, and marveled in all the wonders that presented themselves. Throughout life, even during her cancer treatments, she never complained and remained positive. She always lived every day to the fullest and was completely content and pleased with simple things of life; such as her Miller Lite at lunch time while watching the birds at her feeder. Daily, she would remind each member of her family that she loved them. Her greatest gift to her family was her strength and inspiration. Her legacy will carry on and be passed down for generations. Edwyna is survived by her daughter, Martha Testa of Fairfield, Maine, her son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Jackie Orchard of Winslow, Maine, a granddaughter and grandson Lisa and Harry Irving of Fairfield, Maine, a grandson Scott Waceken of Shawmut, Maine, a grandson Trevor Smith of Washington, ME. Eight great grandchildren Brogan Liberty and her fiance Erik Poulin of Dover, New Hampshire, Taija and Joshua LeClair of New Llano, Louisiana, Cameron Waceken of Waterville, Maine, Nia Irving of Fairfield, Maine, Paige Hale of Fairfield, Maine, and Ethan Testa of Brunswick, Maine. She is also survived by Dyla and Don McIntire. She will be sadly missed by her dogs who slept by her side every night and who she fed heavily buttered toast to every morning, Mojito, Finn, and Amy. She is predeceased by her parents, her brother, Herman Jr., her daughter, Evelyn, and her son-in-law, Bob Testa. Her family would like to thank Mimi Dodge and Sandy Flewelling who took the best care of Edwyna over the last several months and became part of the family. They would also like to thank Redington Oncology (the clinic girls), Dr. Polkinhorn, Dr. Healey and especially Dr. Kriegel who has truly cared for her the past 30 years. There will be a memorial service in honor of Edwyna on Saturday, May 17, at 11 am at the Shawmut Chapel in Shawmut, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: Pet Food Pantry, P.O. Box 223, Fairfield, ME 04937.