AUGUSTA – Priscilla A. Rende passed away peacefully on Jan. 15, 2022, in Augusta. Her final days were spent surrounded by her family bringing her peace, joy, and comfort.

Priscilla was born Jan. 13, 1934, in Lewiston to John S. and Lois B. (Guptil) Foss. She and her brother John were raised in Pittsfield, she graduated from Maine Central Institute in 1953 and went on to attend the New England Conservatory of Music. Eventually she returned to central Maine with her two oldest boys. Soon thereafter she captured the eye of the young pharmacist at LaVerdiere’s drug store in downtown Augusta. Priscilla married the love of her life, Frank N. Rende in 1962. They settled into their home on Newland Avenue in Augusta, welcomed their son in 1966 and went on to raise their family over their 59 years together.

She was a gifted musician, playing trombone, piano and violin in her younger years and her angelic soprano voice blessed many church choirs including South Parish and Prince of Peace. She was the little lady with a powerful solo in the 1976 Bicentennial Choir which led to many years of performing with members of the group. Many in the community will recall the years when the Living Christmas tree concerts were performed.

Cilla, as she was known to so many very near and dear to her, always thought of others. She was a gentle and loving soul and enjoyed her time as a nurse’s aide at Augusta General, food service in the Augusta schools, and as a volunteer at the Bread of Life Kitchen. She was a proud mother of 3 and nothing brought her more joy than keeping up with them, their families, and their numerous friends among whom she was well known for her baking prowess with the best chocolate sheet cake, whoopie pies and peanut butter balls. In her later years she enjoyed hosting a weekly Bible study with cherished friends.

Priscilla is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Frank, her brother John Foss and wife Emily of Palermo; her sons Nathanael Rende and wife Suzanne of Boothbay Harbor, Samuel Rende and wife Miki of Wichita, Kan., and Nicholas Rende and wife Kathryn of Augusta; her grandchildren Briiana Milk and husband Erik, with great-grandchildren Vada, Marley and Willa, Margaret Rende, Matthew Rende and wife Rachel, Grace Rende, Nathanael Rende II, Sean Rende, Christine Rende and Alexander Rende.

Visitation will be held on Saturday Jan. 29, 2022, from 11 am – 2 pm at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta. A short service will follow the visitation hours.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.familyfirstfh.com

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