Wildabelle Airy Obituary (1911 - 2012)

AUGUSTA - Wildabelle Airy, formerly of Granite Hill Estates in Hallowell, died at the Graybirch Nursing facility in Augusta after a stay of 18 Months. She would have been 101 years old in six weeks. She was the daughter of Dr. John Wilkie and Margaret Brown, of Brooklyn Heights, NY. Wildabelle was predeceased by her husband Leroy Airy, and by two of her children, Nancy Ann (Wendy) Glusker, of Lancaster, PA, and Lynn Belle Glusker Taylor, of Augusta. She is survived by her two sons: Alfred Wilkie Glusker of Tempe, Arizona, and David Glusker and his wife Nancy Fossett Glusker of South China, Maine. She also leaves family members in FL (Peggy and James Boggs), New York (James and Arlene Airy), Ohio (Mrs. Helen Farr), and in Louisiana (James and Maryellen Colvin). Grandchildren include James Glusker of Augusta, Victoria Jean Glusker of Augusta, David John Glusker of Utah, Stephanie Barnes Seraphina of Washington, Charles Glusker of California, Kenneth Glusker of New York, and Mark Glusker of Illinois. She had 13 great-grandchildren. Wildabelle was a graduate of Packer Collegiate Institute School in Brooklyn, NY. She also completed various additional courses of study including “The Forum.” She leaves many friends, including members of the Granite Hill community, Church friends, members of several writing groups, and friends from the area. Wildabelle was known for her positive approach to life. She loved to travel and visited numerous countries around the world. She had a book published at the age of 97. She continued to do oil painting into her 99th year. She loved to sing, and sang a solo at a Christmas eve service when she was 98. Her sense of humor served her well throughout her life. Wildabelle was actively involved in the United Methodist Church for the past 60 years, including churches in East Saugus, MA, Gap, PA, and Cox Memorial United Methodist Church in Hallowell, Maine. She was also actively involved in Alanon for many years. Through the church she taught young people how to work with ceramics. She was responsible for beginning vesper services at Granite Hill Estates and coordinated that ministry for several years until a committee took over. She continued to attend regularly until her fall caused her to leave Granite Hill Estates. Her faith was very important to her and sustained her for many years. She was ready to meet God and looked forward to her death. For the past 15 years she asked her family why God was keeping her alive, and looked forward to being united with God at death. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was a member of the Cox Memorial United Methodist Church in Hallowell, where a service of celebration will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, June 25th., with the Rev. Dr. Scott Dow officiating. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to the Cox Memorial United Methodist Church, 33 Central Street, Hallowell, ME 04347. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta where condolences, memories, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.