Mary Hodes, 93, of Newcastle, died on July 3. She was a resident of The Lincoln Home in Newcastle.
Mary was born Dec. 14, 1918 in Small Point, Newfoundland, the fifth of seven children of Minnie Sarah King and William Wesley Reynolds. In 1922, her family moved to Chelsea, Mass. where there was a large community of Newfoundlanders.
Mary trained as an accountant, and worked 25 years for the Cabot Corporation in the financial district of Boston.
She met her husband, Frederick Hodes, at a square dance in Brookline, Mass. They lived in Sharon, Mass. where they developed an interest in antiques, and became auctioneers. Fred retired from the insurance business and they moved to Newcastle in 1970, and purchased an 1840s house and barn on the Mills Road and set up shop as antique dealers.
Hodes Antiques became known throughout Maine and New England for an eclectic collection of sewing notions, Brownie ceramics, art glass, fine country furniture, firemen memorabilia, sterling silver items, dolls and paintings by Maine artists. The collecting and selling was a passion for both Fred and Mary, with Mary doing most of the buying and Fred as the auctioneer. Mary had a keen eye for beautiful antiques and collectibles, and became a well-respected and admired figure in the local antique community.
Her red Volvo station wagon with the license plate of “QITNA” could be seen regularly at the Montsweag Flea Market, run by her friend Norma Scopino. Mary had been her first customer, 36 years ago. She was always willing to share her knowledge of antiques with everyone, while at the same time continuing to learn more herself. She was busy selling her antique collection until the week before her passing. Mary’s generosity was always extended to family, friends and the communities of Newcastle and Damariscotta.
Mary traveled extensively with her husband, and then with her sister, Dorcas. They went to Africa, Antarctica, China, Egypt and other distant locations. She was a very competitive cribbage player, and learned to play chess at the age of 90.
She was known for her style, graciousness, humor and kindness.
Mary moved into The Lincoln Home in 2006, where she became a valued member of the community, sharing her knowledge of antiques and being a caring friend to many residents and staff. She delighted in her view of Damariscotta Bay watching the daily life of boating, oyster farming and wonderful sunsets across the bay.
Mary was predeceased by husband, Frederick Hodes; and siblings, Jenny Long, Chet Reynolds, Dorcas Cleighton, Ida Roberts, Lucy Legrow and William Reynolds.
She is survived by 13 nieces and nephews; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Her nephew, Arthur Roberts, of Gouldsboro was her antiquing partner and close friend for the last 10 years of her life.
Burial will be private.
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, Damariscotta.
