Judith “Judy” A. Doe, 74, of Newcastle, passed away at her home on the evening of Nov. 3. Born in Morristown, N.J. on Sept. 27, 1939, she was the daughter of Harry and Virginia (Holland) Lang. She moved to Belfast when she was seven years old and graduated from Belfast High School in 1957.
She worked in the family restaurant “The Snack Bar” and moved to Sheepscot in 1962 where she was active in the Fire Department and loved fly-fishing for Atlantic salmon at the Reversing Falls.
Judy married Louis Doe in 1974, and moved to The Kings Highway to the Doe house where they raised five children until they built their new home on Lewis Hill Road in Newcastle. Judy loved gardening, and observing and caring for all the wildlife that lived in and around her expansive gardens. She loved being outdoors, fishing, and creating beautiful intricate landscapes.
Judy and Louis started Louis Doe Home Center in 1970. Together they perfected the formula for a successful marriage and business partnership. She started Flowers at Louis Doe’s and was known for her beautiful unique arrangements for weddings and all occasions. She loved seeing happy faces when brides came to pick up their flowers.
She also started The Pet Center at Louis Doe’s where she cared for, and placed, many stray and unwanted animals in wonderful forever homes. Truck, a feral kitten, and his companion Mickey, her two favorite black cats, stayed with her for two years until she found the perfect loving home.
Judy was very committed to business promotion and was awarded the Women in Small Business Advocate Award in 1986. She was one of the co-founders of the Damariscotta Region Board of Trade, predecessor to current business advocacy groups.
Judy was a champion for distressed animals and people. She worked tirelessly to help feed those in need. Through her formation of The Hungry Animal Fund, and the free vegetable swap each summer, she provided good food to many. She was well-known for her compassion, deep caring, and willingness to go above and beyond. No challenge was too great when it meant she could help a person or an animal.
Judy loved children, and took great pleasure in seeing her “youngsters” grow up. She was known as “Mamma Doe” by young and old alike.
Judy was predeceased by brother, Bruce Lang; and son, Phillip Bickford Jr.
She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Louis Doe; sister, Bonnie Dolloff and husband Danny of Utah; daughters, Lisa Woodrow of Windsor, Ellen McFarland and husband Harvey, and Jennifer Mitkus and husband Jared; son, Mark Doe and partner Tara Jones, all of Newcastle; grandchildren, Lindsey, Scott, Ben, and Abi (also one of her best friends); great-grandchildren, Alexander and Cade; nephews, Brian Huntley, Stephen and Craig Richards and their families; and niece, Candie Hall (self-proclaimed favorite niece) and her daughter. She also has a large animal family who will miss her deeply.
Visiting hours will be held 5-7 p.m., Fri., Nov. 8 at Strong-Hancock Funeral Home in Damariscotta. A service will be held at 2 p.m., Sat., Nov. 9 at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle. Burial will follow in the Sheepscot Cemetery in Newcastle. A celebration of her life will be held in the spring 2014.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556, or the Hungry Animal Fund, PO Box 273, Newcastle, ME 04553.
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.
