Priscilla (Edwards) Small

READFIELD – Priscilla Edwards Small, 91, formerly of Winthrop, died April 11, 2025. “Pris” struggled with dementia for years but maintained a remarkably positive attitude.

She was born Oct. 15, 1933, in New Portland. She was the only child of Winston G. and Theona H. Edwards. She grew up in Farmington where she met the love of her life, Alden G. Small, at an early age. She attended Farmington schools then graduated from Farmington State Teachers College in 1955.

Priscilla and Alden were married Sept. 10, 1955, and spent most of their next 65 years together in Winthrop, until Alden’s passing in December of 2020. Priscilla was an active member of the Winthrop community and the Winthrop United Methodist Church.

Priscilla began her distinguished career in early childhood education at the Jewish Community Center Nursery School in Bangor. In 1964, Priscilla co-founded Wonder Awhile Nursery School (WANS) in Winthrop. At that time, the closest nursery school was in Augusta. She served as the full-time WANS Director and teacher from 1964 until 1970 and remained active on the WANS Board of Directors for over 50 years. In the Fall of 1970, she began teaching kindergarten at the Winthrop Public Schools. She retired in 1987.

Priscilla was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, reading, writing, traveling and skiing. She also loved spending time with her many friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Priscilla was predeceased by Alden’s mother, Esther M. Small; and many aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her three children, Galen Gene Small (Christy Foster) of Monmouth, Scott Alden Small (Jenny Misner Small) of Mount Vernon and Heidi Small McNinch (Bob) of Old Orchard Beach; grandchildren, Laura Small Li of Cicero, N.Y., Mark Alden Small (Stacey Ool) of Epping, N.H., Steven Edward Small of Gray, Cassidy Rose Small of Freedom, Emilie Crossman of Biddeford and Thomas Winston Small of Monmouth; great-grandchildren, Brandon Scott Li and Charlotte Christina Li of Cicero, N.Y., and Ava Jennifer Small and Emma Catherine Small of Epping, N.H.

The family would like to thank the exceptional caregivers from The Balsam House in Readfield where Priscilla has resided for the past three and a half years, MaineGeneral Hospice and Renaissance Quality Home Care, who provided in-home care for Priscilla and Alden prior to her move to Balsam House.

There will be a memorial visitation on Thursday, April 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. A funeral service will take place, immediately after, at 2 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of their website at http://www.KHRFuneralHomes.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to

Wonder Awhile Nursery School,

58 Main St.,

Winthrop, ME 04364

or to a charity of your choice.