BEAVER COVE – Tina, at age 96, was greeted at heaven’s gate, on Sept. 12, 2023, by the love of her life, Bernard T. Bishop, who predeceased her in 2013. She was also predeceased by her parents and siblings.

Tina was born on Sept. 1, 1927, in Waterville. She was the daughter of Achille, “Archie” York and Aurelie “Thelma” nee Cloutier of Winslow. Tina’s father passed away when she was young. Her grandmother, Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Reme, helped raise her. She was predeceased by all of her siblings and the family who brought her up and loved them all dearly. Tina graduated from Winslow High School and soon after, Tina met Bernie. They were married June 16, 1947, and renewed their vows on their 65th anniversary, at their grandson Craig’s wedding and happily celebrated 66 loving years together.

Early on, she was a teacher at Colby College Nursery School and a Sunday School teacher at Sacred Heart Parish. She was co-owner of Bernie ‘s Market on West Street in Waterville, then a Manager at SoFro Fabrics. She used her creative skills as Manager and children’s buyer for Sterns Department Store, in downtown Waterville. She created the latest styled outfits, making the Waterville area youngsters look their best. She believed we should all look put together and live each day to the fullest.

Tina was a Master Seamstress. She made many dance costumes, gowns and wedding dresses. Her talents led her to Cottles “I Do” Bridal Salon, in Waterville, which became “Memories and More”, till they closed. At that time, she then worked at Patricia Bucks Bridal, in Augusta, where she created each perfectly fit wedding gowns and hand beaded veils. She coordinated the entire bridal party’s ensembles. Brides came from all over the country and abroad, to have her work her magic, for their perfect day. She worked full time and didn’t retire until she was 83 years old.

Tina’s focus was always on her family at their home, in Waterville. She hosted many family and holiday dinners, while enjoying the gathering of her grandkids and great grandkids. She loved cooking and decorating, for all the holidays, especially for Christmas. She always made them personalized gifts, such as crocheted afghans, knitted sweaters and quilts for each. Bernie and Tina enjoyed traveling, and treasured their family vacations. They especially enjoyed their spur of the moment trips, driving to Connecticut to visit their daughter, Cathy and family, and frequent trips, to visit their daughter, Debbie and family, in New Hampshire.

Since Bernard’s passing 10 years ago, Tina lived with her daughter, Debbie, and husband, Rick. Her cat, Winston, shared their days together, watching the deer who came to visit their yard. Tina was the true Matriarch of the Bishop family. She will be sorely missed by everyone she cherished.

Tina is survived by her son, James (wife, Jessica) Bishop of Maine, daughters, Cathy (husband, Bruce) Cusson of Connecticut and Debbie (husband, Rick) Palmer of Maine. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Jennifer (husband, Dennis) Turner, Craig (wife, Rachel) Cusson, Ryan Cusson, Eryn (husband, Chad) Farley, Jessica (husband, Sam) Gong, Jason (wife, Darcy) Palmer, Joshua Palmer, and Joseph Bishop; 13 great-grandchildren, Kai, Arrow, Kaleb, Jason II, Addy, Emmy, Brady, Peyton, Connor, Maddison, Haley, Samantha, and Cole; and one great-great-grandson, Jensen. She also leaves behind former daughter-in-law, Clare Milton, who assisted in taking mom to appointments and shopping as needed. She was a wonderful companion.

Our family would like to extend a Special Thank You, to the Staff at Charles A. Dean, Memorial Hospital, for their compassionate care, given to our Mom, during her last few days.

A Memorial Mass will be held at the Notre Dame Church located at 16 Silver Street, Waterville on Nov. 4, 2023, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow in the Church Hall. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Condolences and memories may be expressed at http://www.laryfuneralhome.com.

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