PORTLAND – Evelyn Holthausen Thurston passed away quietly in her apartment on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021.

She was born in Maspeth, N.Y., to Martha (Baranowski) Holthausen and Edward John Holthausen. Her family moved to Rockville Center, N.Y., when she was starting school, where she lived until she married. Evelyn was outgoing and possessed a wonderful sense of humor … partly a result of living through the Great Depression, World War II, and raising three very active children in Springvale, Maine!

Evelyn married David B. Thurston in 1944 on her birthday. They shared many life adventures, including sailing, skiing, and world travel. They felt strongly that family was important, so they often planned family trips that eventually included their grandchildren who now have fond memories to hold on to. Evelyn was David’s secretary for a good portion of their later life, typing manuscripts for numerous books and handling correspondence. Wherever they lived, they were active in their communities and gathered many lifelong friends along the way. Their final residence was in Cumberland Foreside.

Evelyn was also a prodigious reader and an avid crossword puzzle fan. While living in Cumberland Foreside, she was active in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and the Cumberland Historical Society, as well as a number of charities, including Maine Medical Center’s Flower Box and Dolly Project. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, David B. Thurston, in 2013 and is survived by her children, Donna T. Downing (husband, Thomas), Roy E. Thurston (partner, Marie), and Kent D. Thurston (partner, June), as well as grandchildren, David Downing and family, Peter Downing and family, Derek Thurston and family, Shawn Thurston and family, Brendan Yuill and family, and Megan Wagner and family. Evelyn was also great grandmother to 11 children and aunt to two nieces and four nephews, all of whom are still living.

Arrangements are in the hands of Hobbs Funeral Home. A small graveside burial will be planned for later this spring, and when it is safe for family and friends to gather, there will be a celebration of her life.

The family would like to thank the staff of Birchwoods Assisted Living Facility for their loving care and support during her residence there, and to the staff of Beacon Hospice for their wonderful care and ensuring her final days were comfortable. Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.