BOILING SPRING LAKES, N.C. – Terry Stilwell passed away November 6, 2017, at his home in Boiling Spring Lakes, N.C., after a brief illness.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughter, Tammie and her husband, Dan, of Dunbar, West Virginia; his son, Art Berkoski and his wife, Lisa of Caribou; his special “Mom,” Marilyn Pearson of New Sweden; seven grandchildren, Kjersti, Elin, Sara, Daniel, Devin, Dylan and Jacob; great-grandson, Logan – “his special little buddy”; and two great-granddaughters, Ellie Rain and Amelia. He is also survived by his brother, Leigh and wife, Jennifer, of Presque Isle; “Auntie,” Leola of Houlton; and his many loved cousins. Terry will be missed by his brother and sister-in-law, Dana and Myrna Dixon of New Sweden; close friends, Tim, Curtis, Terry, Billy and Happy; and special friend, Ziggy. He was predeceased by his father, Lawrence; his mother, Ethel; brother, James; and close friend, Peter.
Terry was born in Houlton and attended school in Hodgdon. His first job was with the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad as a brakeman. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam during 1970-71. Terry then worked as an engineer/brakeman for the Department of Defense until retiring in 2012. He was a member of VFW Post 10400 in Boiling Spring Lakes, NC, and Perkins-Plourde Post 136 in Stockholm. Terry had many interests and enjoyed pursuing them with his wife, Mary. He was also a great supporter of the many positions she held in the state. He was a friend to all and never knew a stranger. Terry always helped others without hesitation. He loved nature and held a special place in his heart for small creatures.
A celebration of Terry’s life was held at Boiling Spring Lakes First Baptist Church, NC, on November 10, for his North Carolina family. A service will be held on Saturday, November 25, at 11 a.m. in Maine at Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church in New Sweden. Interment will be at the New Sweden Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Stained Glass Restoration Fund, Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 54, New Sweden, ME 04762, in Terry’s memory.
