OLD ORCHARD BEACH/SOUTH PORTLAND – Thomas Winship, 79, passed away peacefully on Nov. 12, 2025. Born on May 2, 1946, in Houlton, Thomas was a graduate of Houlton High School.
Thomas was married to the love of his life, Sandra Estabrook, on Sept. 2, 1967. They shared 57 years of marriage and a lifetime of devotion, supporting each other through good times and bad and enjoying their retirement together. Sandra predeceased him in January 2025.
Thomas dedicated a large portion of his career to the grocery business. After graduation, he worked at the local IGA until he and Sandy bought their own corner market, High Street Grocery in Houlton. They built a very successful business over 17 years before selling it to move to Southern Maine.
Thomas was an avid reader who looked forward to his weekly trip to the library. He cherished the hunt for a new title and he would frequently bring a book home, only to discover a few chapters in that he had already read it. Thomas loved cooking and trying new recipes and enjoyed hosting meals and holidays with the family.
In retirement, Thomas’ energetic spirit kept him busy volunteering, including driving cancer patients to appointments, delivering meals for seniors, and even taking on the role of “pool boy” and maintenance man at a local motel in Old Orchard Beach. Thomas cherished walking on the beach with Sandy and seeing his grandchildren.
Thomas was a member of First Parish Congregational Church UCC of Saco.
Thomas is survived by his son Matthew Winship and his daughter-in-law Heather Tryon Winship of Suffield, Conn., son Mark Winship of Gray, Maine; his grandchildren Lily Winship, Katie Winship, and Zachary Winship; and his sister Doris Hollensbe of Bridgewater, NJ.
Thomas’ family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff of The Grande at South Portland and Compassus for their dedicated care over the last several months.
The family will hold a private graveside service at a later time.
Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, Saco are entrusted with his services. Condolences may be expressed online at http://www.dcpate.com.
In lieu of flowers,
memorial contributions may be made to:
Old Orchard Beach Community Food Pantry
155 Saco Ave.
Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
oobcommunityfoodpantry.org
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