Kathleen "Kay" (Foster) Tibbetts

Kathleen Tibbetts, (Kay) of Steep Falls, passed away in her home in the early morning of September 9th, 2023, with her family by her side, after bravely facing a long period of declining health.

She was 81 when she died after having enjoyed a well lived life as a caring mom, affectionate grandmother, playful friend, appreciative employer, and beloved matriarch of many community homes that she served and enhanced the lives of countless clients.

Born on June 3, 1942, to Alice and Robert Foster, she was raised and grew up in Round Pond. She was a lively and loving child. At an early age she worked alongside her family in their many business ventures. She waitressed when her family built and started the first restaurant in Round Pond the Anchor Inn, she tended younger siblings, tended her family antique shop in the building where Round Pond Coffee now stands.

After High School she attended the University of Maine to study nursing. She soon married and gave birth to a son, Mark, whom she loved dearly.

Kay truly appreciated theater. It was a joy she gladly fostered in her granddaughter Justine. She took enormous pleasure in hearing others sing, especially Justine.  Kay felt proud of her family and felt fortunate to have all the grandchildren nearby, knowing she could call anyone of them, and they would come and lend a hand.

Kay enriched the lives of so many, she ran and operated many group homes in Southern Maine, providing loving care and generously offering them an opportunity for adventure.  The clients she cared for were very fortunate to live or visit her farm in Steep Falls where she grew berries of all types and had the most amazing peach tree with bountiful crops, or they simply came up to visit her animal barn.  Kay was an animal lover; she had welcomed many animals on her farm including horses, chickens, ducks, goats, pigs, cats, dogs, even peacocks at one time. After a fun day at the farm the clients could enjoy a BBQ and a swim in Kay heated pool. 

Beauty gave her strength, and she noticed beauty in little everyday things, Birds at a feeder, a grandchild's hug, a candle, a flower or favorite song brought her considerable joy.

Her legacy is one of compassion and passion. Though Kay will of course, be truly missed she will not be forgotten. Her memory will live on in the hearts of countless people she loved and in joyful memories she created with so many along the way.

Kay leaves behind her loving son Mark Tibbetts Sr and wife Maureen of Steep Falls. She was affectionately known as “Nana Kate” by her grandchildren Brent, Joe, Justine, and Mark Robert.   Also, her brother, Robert Foster of Newcastle and wife Marilyn, sister, Sandy Holme of Bristol and her husband Charles, and sister Anne Bourne of Bristol, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Living Stone Community Church, 711 Ossipee Trail, Standish Me. on Saturday September 23rd @ 1pm.  Light refreshments will follow.

To share memories of Kathleen or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.athutchins.com

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