Madelene M. Rines Obituary (1918 - 2012)

WINSLOW, MAINE—Madelene (Merithew) Rines, 93, of Winslow, Maine, passed away on Monday, October 29, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She had been residing in the tender care of her son Philip for the past four years. Madelene was born in Pittsfield, Maine on October 31, 1918, the eldest daughter of the late Miles R. Merithew and Effie E. Dickey Merithew. She attended schools in Fairfield, Maine and graduated from Oakland High School in 1936. She was predeceased by her son, Stephen F. Rines; her brother, Merlon Merithew; and her sisters, Frances Babineau, Thelma Black, and June Roberts. Madelene’s remaining sisters are Iva Shorty, Lois Bickford, Gwendolyn Fenderson, and Shirley Libby. Madelene was employed as a spinner at Cascade Woolen Mill, North Vassalboro Woolen Mill, and for a short time at Wyandott Mill in Waterville, Maine. She also worked as a cashier and salad maker at Thayer Hospital. Madelene loved children and at the age of 86, ended 7,200 hours as a foster grandparent at the Child Development Center in Waterville, Maine. In 1941, Madelene married Floyd T. Rines, whom she loved and cared for until his passing in March of 1995. Together, they raised a family of ten; five daughters followed by five sons. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Nancy and Dennis (now deceased) Clement of Benton, Maine, Joyce and Robert Stanley of Skowhegan, Maine, Jane Hannah of Unity, Maine, Marilyn and Richard Eames of Winslow, Maine, Ann and Ruben Tuttle of Rockland, Maine, Philip Rines of Winslow, Maine, Timothy and Tammy Rines of Skowhegan, Maine, Scott and Nancy Rines of Westfield, MA, and Wesley and Melissa Rines of Clinton, Maine. Madelene enjoyed the company of her 18 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. Madelene loved the Lord and remained a testimony to Him right to the very end of her life. She was a member and worshipped at Clinton Baptist Church since 1965, where she was well known for her quiet, graceful faith. If ever in her presence, you would not escape without a smile, a hug, and a “God Bless You.” Her Lord and her family were the focus of her life and she will be forever missed and never forgotten. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 3 at Clinton Baptist Church, 10 Spring St., Clinton, Maine. Burial will be at McClintock Cemetery in Winslow, Maine. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Clinton Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1, Clinton, ME 04927. Two Mothers Remembered By Joann Snow Duncanson I had two Mothers – two Mothers I claim Two different people, yet with the same name. Two separate women, diverse by design, But I loved them both because they were mine. The first was the Mother who carried me here, Gave birth and nurtured and launched my career. She was the one whose features I bear, Complete with the facial expressions I wear. She gave me her love, which follows me yet, Along with the examples in life that she set. As I got older, she somehow younger grew, And we’d laugh as just Mothers and daughters should do. But then came the time that her mind clouded so, And I sensed that the Mother I knew would soon go. So quickly she changed and turned into the other, A stranger who dressed in the clothes of my Mother. Oh, she looked the same, at least at arm’s length, But now she was the child and I was her strength. We’d come full circle, we women three, My Mother the first, the second and me. And if my own children should come to a day, When a new Mother comes and the old goes away. I’d ask of them nothing that I didn’t do. Love both of your Mothers as both have loved you.