Dorothy L. Giles, 77, of Edgecomb, passed away at home after a struggle with Alzheimer’s on May 20. Born at the family home in Nobleboro on May 30, 1940, she was the daughter of Earl and Ruth (Hildebrandt) Baldwin.
A year after graduating from Lincoln Academy in 1958, she married Malcolm L. Giles of Edgecomb. They spent the early years of their life together on Thompson Island in Boston Harbor where they built their first sailboat. While living on Thompson Island, their first three children, Bruce and Brian (twins) and Amy were born. They moved from Massachusetts back to Edgecomb in 1964.
Through the 60s and 70s she managed the household on Cross Point Road as their family grew with the addition of children Karen and Michael. Her days were also filled with gardening, music, writing and tending a menagerie of animals.
In the late 70s and 80s, she and Malcolm rekindled their passion for sailing. They had many adventures throughout the years on their boats: Keel-Up, Leprechaun and Chinkapin, including voyages between Maine and Florida. Later travels were on the open road in their RV with their African grey parrot, Olivia.
She held a number of jobs through the years, including child daycare at her home, teaching, and driver, clerk and courier at Wiscasset Ford.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by husband, Malcolm; and siblings, Donald Baldwin, Lester Baldwin, Raymond Baldwin, Earl Baldwin, and Marjorie (Baldwin) Murphy.
She is survived by sons, Bruce and wife Paula, Brian and wife Robin, and Michael and wife Lisa; daughters, Amy Donohue and companion Byron Thuotte, and Karen Giles; grandchildren, Aric Giles, Kathleen Donohue, Nathan Giles and wife Denia Fil, Heather Donohue and fiance Richard Overlock, Alicia Drake and husband Jason, Ashley Giles, Colt Seigars, Parker Giles, and Cooper Giles; great-grandchildren, Dallen and Tristen Drake, and Ethan Giles; siblings, Mildred Stafford, Esther Swift, Paul Baldwin, Jean Beaulieu, Douglas Baldwin and Robert Baldwin; and a large extended family.
A time of visitation was held May 24 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home in Damariscotta. A memorial service was held May 25, also at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001; or to Outward Bound Education Center on Thompson Island Attn: Development Office, P.O. Box 127, Boston, MA 02127.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
