Thelma L. Hawkins

Thelma Louise Hawkins, 91, died Monday June 14, 2010 in her sleep at Forestview Manor in Meredith NH. Born June 1, 1919 in Holderness NH, she was the daughter of Perley and Agnes (Howe) Watts. She was known as the Purple Lady of Squam Lake.She graduated from Keene Normal School - now Keene State, and taught in Plymouth NH. When her husband Ken graduated from Plymouth Teachers College they moved to Scotia NY.  She then got her Master's Degree from Columbia University. She worked for Rich Food plan for a few years. She then taught Home Economics at Scotia Junior High for 30 years. They retired to their favorite place in the World Squam Lake. She was always one of the first in the Spring and the last in the Fall to take her daily swim in the morning no matter what the temperature was. They also traveled to Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii. She was very involved with the Holderness Community Church and the American Baptist Women, the Holderness Fire Dept auxiliary, and helping out at many events in Holderness, Plymouth and Ashland.  Her baked beans at events were always a highlight. She spend one Winter in Oklahoma helping at a College run by the Baptist Church (Bacone) for Native Americans.She and Ken ran a ceramic studio in both Scotia and on Squam Lake.She was predeceased by her Husband Ken in 1996, and her sister Glenna.She is survived by her children Ken of Bedford, Russ of Port Crane NY, Gayle Gray of Hendersonville NC, Ed of Holderness. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and her dear friend Peggy Winton. Many nieces and nephews.  Memorials:In lieu of flowers please send donations to Holderness Community Church PO Box 613 Holderness NH 03245.  The family thanks Forestview manor for the loving care they gave her.Visitation:Calling hours will be held in the Mayhew Funeral Home, 12 Langdon St, Plymouth, on Wednesday 6pm to 8pm.  Service:A funeral service will be held in the Holderness Community church, Route #3, on Thursday at 10am.  The Rev. Everett Palmer, pastor, will officiate.  Cemetery:Burial will follow in the Trinity Churchyard Cemetery, Holderness.