Leslie-Jean Hutchins Bodge, 52, of Whitefield, passed peacefully on May 8 at Maine General Hospital after a long and noble battle with cancer. Leslie was born in Farmington to Vinton and Jean Hutchins on Nov. 24, 1956. The middle of three sisters, Leslie’s childhood was spent riding snowmobiles through the woods and trails of Turner, roller skating at Bear Pond Park, and playing the accordion. She graduated from Leavitt Area High School in 1975.
Deeply rooted in the Whitefield community, where she moved with husband, David, in 1987, Leslie was a member of the Lion’s Club, the volunteer rescue and an active participant in the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life. She also always looked forward to the 4th of July parade in Kings Mills and the fire department auction in Coopers Mills because she could be surrounded there by the family and friends who made her life so complete.
Leslie enjoyed living simply. One of her greatest joys came from literature, and she was a passionate reader. She also loved cooking for her family and friends and earned a reputation for her homemade pies and comfort food. She and her husband enjoyed camping upcountry with family, visiting with and spoiling their grandchildren, and spending quiet time at home.
A devoted and thoughtful grandmother, she loved traveling around the country to visit her granddaughters in places like Oklahoma, Alaska, and Nebraska. She sewed dresses and pajamas for the girls and always got in trouble for bringing too many lollipops when she visited.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Jean Ruth Hutchins.
Leslie is survived by her husband, David, of Whitefield; son, Keith, of Stonington and wife Erica and their son, Braden; daughter, Melissa, of Omaha, Neb. and husband, Derek, and their three children, Gabrielle, Susanna, and Claire; father, Vinton Hutchins, of Turner; sisters, Sheila, of Bangor, and Melody, of Tucson, Ariz.; and father and mother-in-law, Ronald and Dorothy Bodge of Wiscasset.
Memorial service 2 p.m., Sun., May 24 at Windsor Memorial Baptist Church. Contact Staples Funeral Home for more information.
Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Whitefield Rescue in consideration of the impact the town made upon Leslie’s life.
