Standish, Maine - Althea Fern Kendrick Smith, 91, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 25, 2026, at 425 River Road in Standish. Althea was born on January 22,1935, in Hollis, Maine. She was the daughter of the late Bertha Gladys Sanborn Kimball Kendrick and George Dearborn Kendrick, Sr.
Althea attended Hollis Schools. She left High School due to a broken leg. Years later, she proudly earned her GED in night school.
On August 21, 1952, in Alfred, Maine, Althea married Earl Ray Smith of Standish, Maine. They lived on base at Fort Dix in New Jersey for two years before moving to a house on the Hollis Plains Road. In 1956, they bought a house on Depot Street in Bar Mills and lived there until1976. They bought land and built a log cabin on the Bliss Road in Standish. In 2000, they built a house on the River Road in Standish.
Althea was always a devoted mother to five active children. She worked tirelessly to support and care for us, all the while taking odd jobs to help supplement the household income. She loved children and had a close relationship with her own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many neighborhood children. She was a lifelong friend to many in her lifetime.
Althea had a strong work ethic and faith that saw her through difficult times in her life. She was a hard worker that included many diverse types of employment. At 15, she drove herself and other riders to the mills in Limerick. Over the years, her work included a Gray Lady at the Buxton - Hollis Hospital, an Avon Lady, a Census Taker, a seamstress at Hanold’s, and a book keeper at Ray’s Garage. She made wreaths, ordered doll clothes from toy makers and finished them in her home. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, taught sewing and braided rug making to her nieces. Mom loved traveling, motorcycle riding, cross country skiing, walking, reading, knitting, gardening, card playing, carpentry, and cooking. She was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star in West Buxton, Maine.
Althea was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Earl Ray Smith, on December 1, 2021, her youngest son, Patrick Smith in July 2008, and daughter-in-law Julie Smith in November 2015.She is predeceased by her brothers Norman Kimball, Everett Kimball, and Donald Kimball, Richard Kimball; sisters Avis Kimball Whitten, Thelma Kimball Taylor, Leah Kimball Bradeen, Barbara Kimball Hanson, Erma Kendrick Chase, Shirley Kendrick Sawyer Reynolds. She is survived by two brothers: George D. Kendrick Jr. and Francis R. Kendrick.
Althea is survived by daughter Pamela Peiffer and her husband, Larry of Standish; daughter Joyce Durkin Smith and partner Bob Tkazcik of Saco; son Michael R. Smith, Sr., and partner, Cathy Pingree of Buxton; and son Timothy Smith of Standish; eight grandchildren: Joe Peiffer, Andrew Peiffer, Kyle Durkin and father, Don Durkin, Michael R. Smith, Jr. and wife, Sarah, Abby Smith and partner Brian St. Pierre, Tasha Smith, Karie Smith, Patrick S. Smith and five great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service with an Order of the Eastern Star service will be held on Friday June 12th at 5 PM at Maplewood Cemetery, Rt. 35A (660 Cape Road) in Standish.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com