Athelene P. Hilt, 86, of Union, died following a period of declining health Jan. 23, at Windward Gardens Nursing Home, just two weeks after her husband.
Born Nov. 16, 1921 in Rockland, she was the daughter of Pearl and Freeda Price Tibbetts. Athelene was educated in Rockland schools.
On Sept. 23, 1939, she married Donald W. Hilt, Sr. The couple made their home in Union where they resided together until moving to Windward Gardens this past year.
Mrs. Hilt spent most of her time as a homemaker. She was also very active in several organizations including the Mid-Coast Ladies Shrine, Union Historical Society, Union Senior Citizens, Storer-Collins Post American Legion Auxiliary, Knox County Fish and Game Beaverettes, Pioneer Grange, Hope Extension and Hatchet Mountain Snowmobile Club.
An accomplished artist, she took greatest pleasure in her association with the “Appleton Artiques.” Together with a group of ladies with whom she took art classes, Mrs. Hilt traveled to many different locations and painted beautiful pictures with oils.
Mrs. Hilt also enjoyed time spent traveling and camping with her family, as well as times spent at their family cottage at Alford Lake.
She was predeceased by her husband Donald W. Hilt, Sr. on Jan. 9, 2008; son, Philip Hilt in 2006; and sister Marguerite Harriman.
Mrs. Hilt is survived by daughter Diane Poland and husband Richard of Bristol; sons, Donald, Jr. and wife Margaret of Rockland, Sherwood Hilt and wife Barbara, Keith Hilt and wife Debra, David Hilt and companion Michelle Upton, all of Union, and Benjamin Hilt and his wife Krissy of Hope; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Ruth Hilt of Union; brother-in-law Neil Hilt and wife Gail of South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.
Celebration of her life 1 p.m., Sun., Jan. 27, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. The Reverend Paul Marshall will officiate. A reception will follow immediately at 104 Limerock.
Interment in the East Union Cemetery will be announced in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Historical Society, P.O. Box 154, Union, ME 04862.
