Flora G. Hutchinson, 108, passed away in Damariscotta on Dec. 21, 2012.
Flora was born in Medford, Mass. on March 12, 1904 and attended school in Utica, N.Y. Upon graduating from high school, she worked for Western Union. She then went to Boston where she graduated from Forsythe University, a division of Tufts, with a degree in Dental Hygienics. Upon the advice of a friend, she moved to Maine in 1925 to become one of the first dental hygienists in Augusta. She worked for Dr. Carl D. Hutchinson, and within a few years, their working partnership blossomed into romance.
In 1929, the two were married. Flora stopped working in 1931 when she became pregnant with her first child.
The family spent their summers in Chamberlain at a cottage built by her husband in 1919. The family arrived at the cottage in June when school let out, and stayed there until school resumed in the fall. During the summer, Carl would commute to his dental practice in Augusta while Flora cared for her brood during the week. These were summers fondly remembered by all her children.
Flora loved the violin, as did her husband Carl, and eventually the family had their own orchestra with Flora and Carl being joined by their daughter at the piano, one son on the trumpet, and the other on the clarinet.
Flora also loved her church and served a term as Second Reader at the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Augusta. After moving to Schooner Cove, she joined the Damariscotta church.
On her 108th birthday, Flora was presented the Boston Post Cane for being the eldest resident of Damariscotta. She was also presented a citation from the State of Maine Senate in recognition of her 108 years.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Frank and Herbert; sisters, Violet, Myrilla, and Helen; and husband of 50 years, Carl.
She is survived by her daughter, Margaret of Charleston, W. Va.; sons, Robert of Pemaquid, and William also of Charleston, W. Va.; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of a funeral service, a celebration of Flora’s life will take place this summer in early August.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
