Florence Helen (Matthew) Hutchins, 81, of Damariscotta, passed away on the evening of April 9 at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta. Born here May 2, 1926, she was the daughter of John E. and Millie A. (Weaver) Matthew. Attending local schools, Florence was Valedictorian at Lincoln Academy in the Class of 1943.
She married Wm. Clark Hutchins in 1957 and they traveled extensively for many years. Her life’s career was in general insurance, retiring in 1988 after 42.5 years at the Glidden Agency. At the time of her retirement, she was the office manager and licensed agent. She also worked briefly for an insurance agency in Portland and for Saltwater Farm in Newcastle.
Florence joined the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle in 1947 and was active for many years serving as treasurer, Deacon, choir member, and librarian and for 14 years church clerk. She had a lifelong love for music and played violin in the Lincoln County Orchestra, under the direction of Ernest Lippmann.
She was a Charter Member and past president of the Twin Village Women’s Club, serving also as State Director of junior clubs from 1953-1955. She served as President of the Damariscotta-Newcastle Women’s Club from 1969-1970 and during WWII was Activities Director for the Lincoln County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Florence was predeceased by her husband Clark; step-son, Ralph Hutchins; and sister, Dorothy Deets.
She is survived by three step-sons, Wm. Clark Hutchins, Jr. and wife Cynthia of Ocala, Fla., Eugene Hutchins and wife Greta of Vero Beach, Fla., and Wayne Hutchins and wife Joyce of Meriden, Conn.; and two step-daughters, Joan Petrillo of Newtown, Penn., and Vivian Tentoni and husband Jim of Plantsville, Conn.
Friends are invited to be with the family Thurs., April 17 from 9:30-11 a.m., when the service will follow at the Strong Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta; Rev. Kenneth Dale will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 6 Chenell Dr., Suite 260, Concord, NH 03301, or the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 27 Atlantic Highway, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Damariscotta.
