June M. Tukey, 88, of Damariscotta, passed away at her home on the morning of Jan. 6. Born in Damariscotta on June 21, 1924, she was the daughter of Collis Merrill and Ethel (Barnes) Dickinson.
June grew up in Damariscotta and attended local schools. She was a 1941 graduate of Lincoln Academy, and while at Lincoln was a member of the state championship basketball team, just like her mother before her. After graduation, she went on to graduate from the Westbrook Junior College in 1943.
Upon coming back to Damariscotta, her first job was selling fireworks on the sidewalk in front of Yellowfront. She would eventually start working inside, in both the produce section and behind the meat counter. On Dec. 30, 1943, she married Hale Tukey and the couple started their life together.
She went to work as a bank teller at The First National Bank before going to Lincoln Academy in 1961, where she was the secretary to the principal. In 1972, her mother retired from Ethel’s Dress Shop and June took over the operation. She continued the business until her retirement in 1992.
She and Hale loved to travel and went on many vacations together. They cruised and visited such places at the Caribbean, Hawaii and the Panama Canal. She collected rocks and on her many journeys she often brought home a special rock from the trip.
She enjoyed doing needlepoint and cross stitch, and in her younger years was an avid golfer and tennis player. She enjoyed walking Dodge Point, playing bridge, listening to her son play music, and chocolate. She loved to do the daily crossword puzzle, and would even duplicate the puzzle daily so Hale could complete it as well. In 2002, she and Hale moved into her mother’s home on the Bristol Road. June took great pride in caring for her home and her family.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by an infant daughter, Diane; as well as a son, Mark.
She is survived by her husband, Hale Tukey of Damariscotta; sons, Robert K. Tukey II and wife Deidre of Hermon, and John M. Tukey of Damariscotta; grandchildren, Danielle Feltis and husband Tim, Quinn Tukey, and Jenna Tukey; great-grandchildren, Nikolas Poland, Kara-Lyn Poland, Khloe Poland, Rylen Schenk, and Augustus Tukey; step great-grandson, Andrew Feltis; as well as a cousin, Dottie Webber.
Memorial service 11 a.m., Sat., Jan. 12 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. She will be laid to rest in the Hillside Cemetery in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Lincoln Academy, c/o Development Office, 81 Academy Hill, Newcastle 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.
