Thelma P. Branscombe

Thelma Amy Plourde Branscombe, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, at the St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She was born on March 4, 1931, in Waterville, Maine, to Theophilus Plourde and Mary Alma (Poulin). She grew up in the Brewer/Bangor area and graduated from John Bapst High School before continuing her education at the University of Maine in Orono.

In September 1951, Thelma married Frederick Lorne Branscombe, formerly of Moncton, New Brunswick. Together, they built a loving home, first in Danforth, Maine, and later in Lincoln, New Hampshire, where they settled in 1954.

A dedicated worker, Thelma was employed by the Lincoln Public Library, the Lincoln-Woodstock School District, and White Mountain Attractions in Lincoln, NH. Thelma had a passion for reading, knitting, and playing cards. She loved watching sports, especially hockey, tennis, and baseball, and found great joy in spending time with her family and friends. She was also a devout parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lincoln since 1954. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frederick, and her brothers, Donald and Roland.

She is survived by her six children: Deborah Lynn Branscombe Maes and husband Kevin Maes, Frederick James Branscombe and wife Jeanne, Steven Gregory Branscombe and wife Mary Beth, Barbara Ann Branscombe Wallace and husband Kenneth Wallace, Douglas Raymond Branscombe, and John Roland Branscombe and wife Sheryl. She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren: Kathryn, Peter, Aisling, Elizabeth, William, Robert, Micah, Christopher, Kathleen, Carolyn, Lauren, Tyler, Brett, Gerry Lee, Rebecca, and 11 great- grandchildren.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends who will always hold her memory dear.

A funeral service will be held at St. Joseph’s Church on Wednesday, June 4th at 10AM. Burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery. Services are being handled by the Phaneuf Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Lincoln Public Library at 22 Church Street, Lincoln, NH 03251.