Stella L. (Giles) Hammond, 91, crossed over peacefully Feb. 8 at her winter residence in Sebring, Fla. with her family and friends beside her. Stella was born Apr. 30, 1923 in East Boothbay, the daughter of the late Truman and Edith (Alley) Giles.
As a child, Stella could always be found at the heels of her daddy, Truman (a carpenter by trade). Stella loved two things: to work and kittens, lots of warm, fuzzy kittens. As a teen Stella was swept off her feet by Franklin. He was witty, ambitious, and full of adventurous dreams. They purchased a home in Wiscasset in 1948 where they started their own successful marine bait dealership. Stella’s success never went to her head. She still took in stray kittens and even raised litters of puppies. It wasn’t unusual for her teen sons to come home from school to discover a wall or two missing in their home. Where most moms arranged furniture, Stella thought nothing of rearranging rooms. Her years of spontaneous, ambitious acts gave her the well-earned nickname of “mighty mouse” by those who were fortunate enough to have worked beside her.
Stella enjoyed helping the needy and her umbrella of compassion kept those close to her protected and in comfort for years. Strength and honor were her clothing and, when sought out for comfort or advice, her tongue spoke wisdom and her heart overflowed with compassion and understanding.
Besides her husband, Franklin H. Hammond, who passed away in 1999, and her oldest son, Roland T. Hammond, who passed away on Jan. 3, 1999, Stella was predeceased by sisters, Eva Cunningham of Boothbay, Doris Dorr of Dresden, Myrtle Morris of Wiscasset, and Virginia Woodward; brothers, Russell (Tut) Giles, Herbert Giles of East Boothbay, and Frederick Giles of Kennebunk.
She is survived by her youngest son, James A. Hammond of Wiscasset; youngest sister, Barbara (Giles) Parry of Marlboro, Mass.; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson; and nieces and nephews.
At Stella’s request, there will be no visiting hours. A celebration of life to honor Stella’s precious sacrifice to life will be held at her son James’s residence at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
