ROCKLAND — Edith D. Dondis, age 100, passed away peacefully in her family home on December 21, 2020.

Edith, one of nine children, was born to James and Ida Pollock Dondis on June 13, 1920.

Edith was a pillar of strength and has always lived her life as a strong, independent woman, even at a time when it wasn’t fashionable to do so. As a young woman Edie served our country in WWII as the first enlisted Rockland girl in the Waves. Edith went on to study retail/fashion at Chamberlain College in Boston, and then furthered her education, completing her degree in accounting, at Bryant University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Returning to Rockland, to help with her ailing mother, Edith began her career at Fisher Engineering as a bookkeeper, which lasted for 30 years, until her retirement. She spent most of her life in Rockland in the family home that she cherished.

To sit and listen to Edie’s stories is a journey through an amazing life. She had seen many struggles and challenges, and yet she was resilient. She was an active member of the Adas Yoshuron Synagogue. Edith was a bit of town historian in Rockland. Her knowledge and memory of past events made her a go-to person for information about the town’s history. Above all, Edith had a kind heart. She had a weakness for animals and gave many a stray cat a loving home. Edith also loved to spend time reading and knitting.

Edith is survived by her brother, Ernest Dondis of Corona Del Mar, California; her sister, Bertha Taplitsky of Merrimack, New Hampshire; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was treasured and will be missed dearly.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at 11 a.m., at the Owls Head Jewish Cemetery, Route 73. All are invited to participate virtually by logging on to Edith’s Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com, then “Photos & Videos” tab, then “Watch Webcast” at the bottom of the page.

Donations in Edith’s memory may be made to Adas Yoshuron Synagogue, P.O. Box 1250, Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.