Thea Middlemiss

Thea Middlemiss was born and raised on a small farm in Bezgenriet, Germany, in February, 1936. From a very young age she was determined to travel beyond her ancestral farmlands. When she met US Army Sargent Henry Middlemiss while working at a local music store, she jumped at the chance for a new adventure. Henry jumped at the chance of lasting love. In 1956, at the young age of 20, Thea traveled across the Atlantic to America and, shortly thereafter on November 30, 1957, she and Henry were married at St Monica's Church in Methuen MA.

While still new to this country, Thea began taking evening classes to improve her English and learn bookkeeping, graduating with honors from Lawrence High School in 1958. Soon after came the start of their young family in No. Andover, MA with the birth of Greg, then Heidi (Shanti). After purchasing their first home on Lincoln Street, Eric arrived.

After becoming a US citizen in 1963 and passing the civil service exam, Thea began her extensive career with the IRS. Starting as a seasonal keypunch operator, she accelerated through the ranks, positioned as Section Chief in 1988. After 35 years of dedicated service, she retired in 1998. You can thank Thea for any speedy tax refund checks. :)

Family adventures included summertime camping at Gunstock and Sunset Park. On weekends, Thea could be found preparing for a gathering of friends for dinner, drinks, or canasta. She loved bringing people around a table and creating community. She was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Lawrence, MA.

In 1999, Thea and Henry moved to Lovell, ME where she worked part-time at T.J. Maxx. She enjoyed golfing, skiing, walking, listening to classical music, and traveling to casinos (always a lucky winner). After a successful recovery from Stage 3 breast cancer, it was decided to return closer to her children. The 2012 move to Manchester NH brought new friends and a new T.J. Maxx store where she continued to achieve high success with top customer services awards. All the while, connection with friends and family filled her days. She was happy to be here.

With a peaceful and grateful heart, Thea passed on Friday March 5, 2021 after a short battle with Covid. She will always be remembered as a kind, generous, loving, and strong woman who cared deeply for those she loved.

Thea leaves her living relatives in the US: husband, Henry Middlemiss; son, Gregory Middlemiss and his daughter, Kirsty Middlemiss; daughter, Shanti Douglas and her three sons, Mitchell Simon, Everett Simon, Connor Buckley, and beloved dog, Suki; son, Eric Middlemiss and his daughters, Jaclyn Diaz and Kerri Middlemiss. In Germany: sisters, Ilse Hruza and Helga Zehender; twin Godchildren, Birgit Zehender and Claudia Schwartz; twin nephews, Achim and Michael Hruza, all of their spouses and children and her special cousin, Hildegard.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charitable organization of your choice.

A memorial gathering will be planned for mid-summer. For now, please join a Celebration of Life and Love on Zoom, Sunday March 14, 1:00 - 3:00pm EST. Bring your stories, memories, songs and playfulness. Register at http://bit.ly/WeLoveThea.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester is assisting the family with arrangements.