Georgianna Stetson Sandeen, 90, of Damariscotta, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 27 at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta. Born in Newcastle on July 14, 1925, she was the daughter of Arthur and Frances House Stetson.
Georgie graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1942, then continued her education at the University of Maine Orono, Georgetown University graduate school, American University, and San Diego State College. She earned her BA degree with a major in Life Science and Chemistry for Medical Science Journalism.
She was employed early in her career as a technical writer for Douglas Aircraft in California, then began a very successful career as a laboratory technician and research chemist. She was instrumental in the research of several published papers while working for the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Bethesda, Md. Her attention to detail and thoroughness led her to become the publications editor as a chemist in the nutrition section for the National Institute of Health.
Georgie had many hobbies, one of which was travel. She traveled the world after her retirement, and over the course of her lifetime visited many exotic lands, both alone and with friends, collecting artifacts and postcards along the way. She was an accomplished figure skater and horsewoman.
Upon her retirement to Maine, she brought along her beloved registered Arabian stallion and mare to her little farm that she carved out of a 12-acre plot that used to be her father’s. She worked tirelessly on her “farm,” all the while keeping up on everything scientific that was happening in the world. She was an avid historian, and was invaluable in identifying old family photos and documenting her family’s genealogy.
She was a self-published author, and wrote about her early years growing up on the Mills Road, reminiscing of the adventures she and her childhood friends experienced while traipsing around the neighborhood.
Her outspoken nature and stubbornness was well known about town; many times getting her into messes that could have been avoided. But if she was your friend, her loyalty was steadfast.
She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Frances; and brothers, Donald and Douglas.
She is survived by her sister, Jean Strong of Damariscotta; sister-in-law, Martha Stetson of Boothbay; nieces, Valerie Seibel, Betsy Mahan, Rebecca Lamb and Lori Murray; as well as trusted family friend, and good neighbor, Barbara Sewall of Damariscotta.
A private service will be held for the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
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.
