BRUNSWICK, Maine – Una Joanita Churchill, age 85, formerly of Caribou, ME, and Fort Pierce, FL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, November 30, 2017.
She was born on August 31, 1932, in Daigle, ME, a daughter of Joseph and Estelle Guerette Pelletier. She met Ervine Churchill, while attending Fort Kent Normal School. The couple shared a full life together for over 50 years, Ervine passed away in 2004.
Una had a passion for teaching and received her M.A. in Education from The University of Maine. She held positions as a grade school teacher in several schools in the Caribou, ME, area. Teaching literacy was a focus which followed her into retirement.
Una was not a “Beaver Cleaver” mom. She worked diligently in the field of education for decades, while maintaining and nurturing a finely kept home.
Una’s work ethic was unmatched. Her pursuit of excellence and independent attitude was evident in her professional life and carried through to her excelling in golf and in bridge. She was respected by all those who worked or played with her.
Una will be missed by all those fortunate enough to know her.
Una is survived by her son, Rick and wife, Carla, of Portland, as well as three granddaughters, Eliza Churchill Gleason and husband, Evan Gleason, of Bowdoinham, Olivia Churchill and husband, Joey Hodgkins, of Bath, and Brittany Borja and husband, Ryan Borja, of Greenville, SC. Her pride as of late was her three great grandchildren, Chase Borja, Finnegan Gleason and Gwendolyn Hodgkins.
Una was predeceased by brothers, Hobart and Norman, and sisters, Pearl, Rinette and Hildreth. Una’s surviving sibling is her beloved brother, Reynold and his wife, Rolande, of Fort Kent.
In their retirement, the Churchills relocated to Florida, where Una was a member of the Indian Pines Golf Club, Fort Pierce. She was an avid bridge player, and always carried a love of animals, regularly donating to the ASPCA.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests making a memorial donation to Literacy Volunteers of Aroostook County, PO Box 424, Caribou, ME 04736 or the ASPCA www.aspca.org/ways-to-give.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 7, 2017, at St. Charles Borromeo Church, McKeen Street, Brunswick. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.brackettfunerlahome.com. A gathering of friends and family will occur immediately after the service.
