WILKINS, Sandra (Harper), 72, Feb. 14, 2016. A graveside funeral service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home, Houlton.
MONTICELLO — Sandra (Harper) Wilkins was born on April 16, 1943 in Houlton, Maine to Robert and Margaret (Folsom) Harper. Mom passed away February 14, 2016 at the age of 72 surrounded by her family.
Every aspect of Mom’s life was met head on with a passionate strength and stubborn perseverance. She attended Bridgewater Classical Academy class of 1961. Following her graduation she attended Cosmetology School in Bangor then in October 1962 she married Larry Wilkins and together raised five children: Laurie Boutilier, Sheri Swimm, Kelly McLean, Shane Wilkins and Renee Grant. Her children share stories of their childhood and now more than ever realize the sacrifices that she unselfishly made for them. Along with her five children, each of her son-in-laws held a special place in Mom’s heart. Lindsay Boutilier, Mike Swimm, Ricky McLean and Fred Grant each brought something to our family that Mom so admired and appreciated.
She leaves behind her very special sister, Leitha Karnes and her husband, Gerald “Moose” Karnes. Mom was predeceased by her parents; brothers: Keith and Carl Harper; sister, Dolores Jewell and her husband, Dana Jewell; and special sister-in-law, Bonnie Wilkins LeFay.
Mom was a dedicated stay-at-home Mom until we got older. She then entered the work force working for the Town of Monticello, ACAP, Job Service and the Dept. of Human Services where she retired 12 years ago. Mom’s work ethic was one to be admired in everything she did. During retirement she enjoyed her flower gardens, tackling DIY projects, morning coffee with Leitha, and working alongside her daughters, Sheri and Kelly at their store in Monticello. Mom was blessed with 12 grandchildren who all loved their Meme. They are Jessica, Jordan and Tyler Swimm, Brandon and Brielle Boutilier, Kendall and Katie McLean, Connor, Benjamin and Ellie Grant, Ashley and Emilia Wilkins and her great grandchildren Ella Grace, Lincoln Swimm, and Ariel Boutilier.
Mom loved her nieces and nephews as much as her own children. She took great interest in their lives and families. They are: Keith, Kris. Gaynor, Gail, Chad, Audra, Tiffany, Roman, Bobby, Andrea, and Brent.
Mom gave back to her community as an RSU 29 School Board Member for 10 years, while serving on many sub-committees, as a board member for the Monticello Friendly Village Housing Committee, Region Two and the Bird Farm Committee.
A graveside funeral service will be announced at a later date. If you would like to make a donation in her memory we ask that you consider Backpack for Kids c/o Houlton United Methodist Church, 57 Military St., Houlton, ME 04730 or Bridge To Hope Scholarship Fund c/o Kim Folsom, 300 Foxcroft Rd., Houlton, ME 04730.
Mom gave us the greatest gift of all by talking openly about her wishes, beliefs and thoughts all throughout this journey, and for that we will always be grateful. Mom had great faith in the human spirit and found that “Paying it Forward” was a great way to bring smiles to those who are less fortunate or going through a difficult time. It would be an honor to her family if you so choose to “Pay it Forward” in Mom’s memory. For online condolences please visitwww.bowersfuneral.com.
