Judith Mackensen Hancock, of Pemaquid, died of cancer on the morning of March 5.
She was born on Oct. 2, 1928, in Hartford, Conn., the only child of William and Ruth Mackensen. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from George Washington University, a Master of Arts degree from Mount Holyoke College, and was a pre-doctoral candidate in Zoology at Ohio State University.
Judith was a teacher most of her life. She began her career in 1952, as an instructor at Mount Holyoke College. From 1956-63, she taught research techniques and procedures at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor. She continued her teaching at Aroostook State College in Presque Isle, then as a professor and chair of the biology department as Saint Joseph’s College in Windham from 1966-1982.
After retiring, she shifted her attention to educating people about how to understand and interact effectively with their dogs through classes and her column in The Lincoln County News.
In 1970, she was appointed to be a fellow to the Washington Academy of Science for her extensive research at Jackson Laboratory. In 1972, Judith was chosen for the Outstanding Educator of America award. The award program honors men and women for their exceptional service, achievement and leadership in the field of education. She was also a member of the state Biologists Association.
Judith published numerous articles on her genetic research, dog training, and environmental concerns. She wrote four different books, the last entitled: “What Good are They? Animals We Love to Hate.”
Judith loved Shetland sheepdogs and was involved in their breeding and training for over 70 years. She got her first Shelty in 1944, and continued to have them nearly to the time of her death. One of her own dogs was the first in Maine to win all the titles awarded by the American Kennel Club.
Judith was a member of the Midcoast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. She first came to the Pemaquid area as a young girl in the summer of 1941, and returned to live in 1984. It was in Pemaquid that she lived longer than any other place.
She was a life-long Democrat who saw the right to vote as an honor and a privilege. In all her years, she voted with a pencil and paper ballot, and never missed an election.
Memorial service 4 p.m., Sat., March 23 at the Skidompha Library in Damariscotta.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Judith’s name may be made to the Midcoast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, the Carpenter’s Boat Shop or the Bristol Area Library.
Condolences, and memories of Judith, 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.
