Theresa Evelyn (Dutile) Call of Waterville, Maine, formerly of Northfield, Massachusetts and Lemoyne, Nebraska, died with her daughters by her side on July 2, 2016.

She was born February 1, 1930 in Marlboro, New Hampshire to the late Etienne (Stephen) Joseph Dutile and Emeline Virginie (Boyea) Dutile. Her father died when Theresa was 5. She was lovingly raised by her mother and stepfather, Charles Lerandeau, “Daddy Charlie.”

Theresa graduated at the top of her class from Marlboro High School in 1947. She trained in nursing at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of Dartmouth Medical School.

Theresa married Howard Byron Call on January 28, 1950. Their romance began as pen pals during the Korean War while Howard was in the Air Force and Theresa was studying. She devoted her life to him and their four children. Howard died on April 6, 2005.

Theresa loved her family dearly. She leaves her children, Clifford Call and his wife Sue of Aurora, Colorado, Deborah Black and her husband Leslie of Lexington Twp, Maine, Sharon Hicks and her husband Gerald of Edgecomb, Maine, and James Call and his wife Barbara of Aurora, Colorado. She leaves eight grandchildren, Jason Call, Joshua Call, Rachelle Knight, Rebecca Willows, Daniel Hicks, Jessica Hicks, Jonathan Call and Stephanie Call; two stepgrandchildren, Adam Crandall and Audra Holzer; and nine great-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren. Theresa is also survived by her sister, Eleanor Varley of Van Buren, Maine and sisters-in-law Pat Call, Mildred Green and Helen Call.

Theresa never held a driver’s license and had no sense of direction, yet she was a great co-pilot, traveling across the continental U.S. and Alaska after Howard’s retirement. They enjoyed their lake home in Lemoyne, Nebraska for many years. After Howard’s death she moved to Maine, recently living at Woodlands Park Residences in Waterville.

Theresa wrote a children’s book, “Bessie and Luke,” at the age of 85. She donated copies to libraries across central Maine and parts of Western Massachusetts.

She was a seamstress and quilter, working on quilt projects until her death. She loved old westerns, baking cookies, talking over a cup of tea, her pets and a good game of cribbage. She was generous and thoughtful to everyone she knew.

Burial will take place in North Swanzey, New Hampshire at a later date.

In her memory, donations may be made to the humane society of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives, 198 Western Ave. Augusta, ME www.funeralalternatives.net