Charlotte Bedell Hong, “Sophie,” 75, of Edgecomb, died at the Barron Center in Portland on June 28. Charlotte, daughter of Charlotte G. Bedell and Frank G. Bedell, was born in White Plains, N.Y. in 1935. She married Seung-Bok “Hank” Hong in 1961.
Charlotte was known for her inner resolve and strength and appreciation of the unconventional in people, art and life. Charlotte represented the goodness of the many that touched her early life, often sharing tales of past family members, honoring them through her memories and their life lessons. In Charlotte’s youth she spent many happy summers visiting her grandmother, “Ethel” (Mrs. George Green), and Aunt Dorothy Green at their home in Edgecomb and spending time on the Damariscotta River swimming and boating. During these years, Charlotte developed her extensive artistic skills, learning from Ethel and Aunt Dot.
Charlotte, often smiling and laughing, would find humor in day-to-day situations. She discovered treasures in the unexpected and loved the beauty and uniqueness of the overlooked – rocks and stones, shells, driftwood, mica, dried seaweed, kelp and the like. Charlotte was naturally curious. She enjoyed meeting and helping others, and sharing her creative ideas.
Charlotte attended Lincoln Academy in Newcastle and graduated from Landon High School in Jacksonville, Fla. Charlotte received her B.A. in Art Education from Florida Atlantic University. She briefly taught at Alexander D. Henderson University School in Boca Raton, Fla. and the Eddy School, Edgecomb. Charlotte worked with the Damariscotta-Newcastle Information Bureau.
Charlotte was predeceased by her husband in 1973 and brother-in-law, Laforest “Huck” Norwood.
She is survived by her children, Therese Hong of Laguna Niguel, Cal., Carolyne H. Conrad and husband Scott of Yarmouth, Stacey E. Hong of Portland and Christine G. Hong and husband Michael Edgar of Milton, Mass.; six grandchildren; siblings, George W. Bedell and wife Diane of Elkin, N.C., Caroline B. Norwood of Brier Island, West Port, Nova Scotia and Frank M. Bedell and wife Kate of Wiscasset; and good friends, Matt Smith and Mark LeClerc, both of Portland.
Private services are planned. A memorial bench will be placed along the Eastern Promenade in Portland.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Barron Center Activities Department pet therapy program. Donations can be directed to the attention of Eileen Norton at the Barron Center, 1145 Brighton Ave., Portland, ME 04102.
