1936 – 2015
LEWISTON — Margaret M. Philbrick, 79, of Auburn passed away on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Central Maine Medical Center with her family by her side after a short illness.
She was born on June 20, 1936, in Kansas City, Mo., a daughter of the late Merton and Margaret (Gleason) McIlvain. She graduated in 1954 from St. Mary’s Inter-Parochial High School in Wichita, Kan., and then attended St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Kansas City, Mo., graduating as an RN in 1957. Her nursing career was extensive, working in pediatrics in Detroit, Mich., and San Diego, Calif. In 1965, she married Raymond H. Philbrick and moved to Maine. There she helped raise Ray’s four children from a previous marriage in addition to two additional children they had together. She also worked as a nurse in pediatrics, geriatrics, general practice and private duty in Lewiston before retiring in 1992.
Known to her friends as Marge, her love of Maine was second only to the love for her husband Raymond and her family. She enjoyed eating lobster and visiting Pemaquid, New Harbor and Port Clyde. She also had a deep love for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After Raymond died, she continued to live in the same house in which she raised her family, along with her son, Dan and daughter-in-law, Lyn, and their two children, where she continued to help cook meals including her famous beef stew. She enjoyed reading and traveling to visit her children and grandchildren. She was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church. The entire Philbrick Family is grateful for the loving care and support of the entire Central Maine Medical Center staff and volunteers.
She is survived by her six children, Stephen Philbrick and his wife, Fernlyn, of Oquossoc, Mary Philbrick of Bethel, Christopher Philbrick and his wife, Tami, of Dumfries, Va., John Philbrick of Edwardsville, Il., Daniel Philbrick and his wife, Lynelle, of Auburn, Michael Philbrick and his wife, Staci, of Saco; a sister, Patricia Niehaus and her husband, Donald, of Farmington, Mich.; 10 grandchildren, Tera Ingraham, Kristy Ingraham, Tyler Philbrick, Quinn Philbrick, Ryan Philbrick, Sean Philbrick, Kelsey Philbrick, Katie Philbrick, Madison Philbrick, Jake Philbrick; and one great-grandchild, Maxten Philbrick; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Marge was preceded in death by her brother, Merton McIlvain Jr.; and her husband, Raymond H. Philbrick.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.
Send questions/comments to the editors.