Elizabeth J. Hodgen, of Wiscasset and North Port, Fla., left this life to be with her Saviour, Jesus Christ, on April 14 after a courageous battle with cancer. Elizabeth (Liz) was born on Aug. 18, 1922, daughter of Walter And Uarda (Davis) Lane. She grew up, along with her twin sister Virginia and younger sister Marjorie, in Cleveland, Ohio, where they were exposed to the many cultural and educational experiences provided by that city, and where she developed her lifelong love of art, opera and theater. She graduated from Oberlin College in 1944 where she met her future husband, John Hodgen. They were married after he returned from serving in the army in WWII, and their first daughter, Judith Anne, followed in 1947. They moved to Barre, Mass. in 1949, where John served as principal of Ruggles Lane School and later for the School Building Assistance Bureau of Massachusetts. Both Liz and John were very active in the Barre Congregational Church, especially with the choir and fellowship. Daughters Nancy Elizabeth and Barbara Jean joined the family in 1952 and 1957 respectively. Elizabeth continued her career as an elementary teacher after staying home to raise her three girls. She served many years at Roger Langley School in South Barre until she retired after 30 years in her profession. As a teacher she was an outspoken advocate for programs for Gifted and Talented students, and was elected to join Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary society for outstanding teachers. During that time she also attained her Masters Degree in Early Childhood education from Worcester State College, followed by her CAGS, also in education. Liz was a third generation college woman graduate in her family. Both Judy and Nancy followed in her footsteps and also became teachers. Travel was another of Liz’s passions and after her husband’s death in 1973 she visited many parts of the globe, including a three-month expedition to visit Nancy in Australia and New Zealand. Liz was also very active in the Barre Players Club for many years, sharing her talent as a performer and director. Some of her favorite shows included "Agnes of God", "On Golden Pond" and "The Octet Bridge Club". Her love of theatre passed on to all three daughters and her two granddaughters, Emily Beth and Hilary Anne, and her fondness for narrating a good story passed on to her grandson Ryan. One of Liz’s passions was the game of bridge! The entire family learned the game. One of the highlights of her life was attending the yearly Duck Lake Invitational Bridge Tournament with daughter Nan, and friends Wilma and Laurie Miller! In 1997, Liz lost her daughter Judy to cancer. A few years later she sold her beloved Barre home to move to North Port, Fla., where she became an active member of Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Port Charlotte. There she served as a Stephen Minister, a Deacon, and a Reading Teacher for the S.T.A.I.R. program helping children learn to love reading, another passionate goal in her life. Liz was a brilliant, outspoken, much loved sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. No one can ever forget how much she loved life, how much she treasured her family, how passionately she defended what she believed, and how great was her faith in God. She was a fiercely independent and vibrant woman even through the tragedies and trials of her life. She was a power of example to many who knew her and loved her, and she leaves behind an unfillable void in the lives of many. She is survived by her children, Nancy Durgin and Andy Camire of Wiscasset, Barbara Hodgen of Las Vegas, and Rob Walker and Kay Allison of Auburn; grandchildren, Emily Walker and Albert Aeed, Hilary Walker, and Ryan Durgin; sisters Virginia O’Rourke and Marjorie and Louis Karabatsos; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and grandpets. Celebration of Liz’s life 10:30 a.m., Wed., April 19 at the Wiscasset Congregational Church, followed by refreshments in Fellowship Hall. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
