CARMEL- With joyful hearts, we announce the passing of Althea H. (Washburn) Nute, who left us peacefully at the home of her son, John Nute, following a brief illness. After a long and productive life, she departed this world, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and compassion. She was born March 22, 1922, in Lakeville, Massachusetts, the youngest daughter of Salmon and Esther May (Stodder) Washburn. She graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School in Massachusetts, where she studied home economics. She eloped with Charles Nute of Rochester, MA in 1940, upsetting her mother, who wanted her to marry a minister. They went on to raise ten children, raising eyebrows with each new addition. Her children rose up to call her blessed as she knelt by her bed every night to pray for them. Althea was the proud longtime holder of the Boston Post Cane in Carmel. Mrs. Nute was admired by children and adults throughout the state of Maine. Together with her husband, Charles, she ministered faithfully as a missionary with the American Missionary Fellowship, formerly known as The American Sunday School Union. She was a partner engaged in church planting for 35 years in central and eastern Maine by starting Sunday Schools which grew into churches. The ministry included Bible Studies, Vacation Bible Schools, Release Time Classes and Victory Bible Camp. Mrs. and Mr. Nute's home was the center of many of these activities, and she is remembered fondly by her many friends and several generations of children. Althea had the gift of hospitality. Even with the demands of raising a large family, she unselfishly and generously shared her home with others. She is survived by her children and their spouses; Beth and Kent Davis, Marge and John Purvis, Chuck and Sharon Nute, son-in-law Dave Erickson, Steve and Christi Nute, Jim Nute, Sharon and Dennis O'Fallon, John and Sandy Nute, Dot and Kerne Roberts, and Gordon and Tammy Nute. For over 60 years she has been lovingly known as "Grandmother" to a host of grandchildren, five generations deep. Predeceasing her were Charles, her husband of 66 years, her daughter Debbie Erickson, daughter-in-law, Diane Nute, and son-in-law, John Rowe, her brothers, Wallace, George, Russell, and Roy Washburn, her sisters, Marjory Beech and Leonice Thew, and grandchildren Eric Nute, Peter Scott Purvis, Dale Ann Nute, and Stephen Washburn Nute, Jr. Mrs. Nute has been anticipating a wonderful reunion in heaven with family and loved ones. A Memorial Service for Althea will be observed at Althea's church, Hermon Baptist Church at 11:00 on June 28. She will be interned at the Riverside Cemetery in Newport, ME. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Althea's memory in a way that reflects the kindness she shared throughout her 103 years of life. Reach out to a senior who may be lonely. Share a meal with a friend. Make that phone call you've been meaning to make. Mend a relationship. Offer grace. Live generously and love well-just as she did.