Phyllis “Jean” Thorndike

BUCKSPORT – Phyllis “Jean” Thorndike, 93, of Duluth, formerly of Bucksport, Maine and Sartell, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at the Ecumen Lakeshore Assisted Living Community. Jean was born in Burnham, Pa., on June 19, 1929, to Russell and Flo Billett. Her family moved to Portland, Maine when she was a teenager and she graduated from Portland High School. Jean worked for several years at the Canal National Bank starting her banking career as a secretary and was promoted to manager of the Forest Avenue Branch in Portland before marrying William Thorndike on March 4, 1961, in Portland.

While living in Bucksport, Maine, and raising children, she volunteered at several local businesses. She was a member of the Elm Street Congregational Church. Jean was a member of the Riverside Evangelical Presbyterian Church Sartell, Minnesota and worked as the church secretary for 16 years. She was a church deacon and involved with Willing Workers, the prayer chain, RAYS, and church craft groups.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell, and Flo Billett; her husband, William “Bill” Knowles Thorndike; a brother, Herb (Pat) Billett.

Jean is survived by a daughter, Betsy (Tom) Lund; a son, Bill (Jill Stromwall) Thorndike; a brother, Don (Lynn Ritchie) Billett; a grandson, Justin Lund; many nieces and nephews.

She loved classical music, skiing, and was a very loving and supportive wife, sister, aunt, mother, and grandmother. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

The family would like to thank the Ecumen Lakeshore Hospice staff and The Shores Memory Care unit team for the wonderful care they provided to Jean.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at the Elm Street Congregational Church in Bucksport with burial at the Riverview Cemetery. Arrangements by Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home. (mitchelltweedie-young.com)