Karen Francis Wiltshire, 61, of Round Pond, passed away quietly and peacefully at her home last week.
Karen was born in Stamford, Conn. on Jan. 15, 1953, growing up playing baseball with the neighborhood kids and swimming in the surf along Long Island Sound. She carried a love of baseball throughout her life.
Early in her career, she was a stage manager for regional theater, working with many actors who went on to play prominent roles in movies and television. She attended Monmouth College and graduated with honors, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. She worked as a software engineer at Bell Labs, DeLorme Mapping and Resort Sports Network.
Known for a warm and easygoing manner, she held the respect and admiration of her co-workers and was often asked to mentor people and projects.
In her personal life, she was an avid gardener and bird enthusiast. For most of her life she maintained a large garden beginning in early winter perusing seed catalogs and starting seedlings in early spring. A member of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, her gardens were natural and harmonious, just as her life.
She was predeceased by her father, Clifford; mother, Dorothy; and brother, David Wiltshire.
Surviving are sisters, Marijane Bisset, and Robin Testa; brothers, Clifford Jr., and James Wiltshire; and longtime friend, Ian Ogilvie.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Mid-Coast chapter of the Audubon Society, P.O. Box 458, Damariscotta, ME 04543; or Damariscotta River Association, P.O. Box 333, Damariscotta, ME 04543.
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.
