THOMASTON — Hortense ‘Hotty’ Micue Grafton, 82 passed peacefully at the Sussman House, Wednesday, February 28, 2024, following a long illness. Hotty was surrounded by family and friends in her final days and upon passing.

She was born to Helen and Herbert Micue on August 16, 1941, in Corinna, Maine. Hortense was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

In her youth, she worked as a blueberry raker, a clerk at Newberry’s Department Store, and met the love of her in life while working as a Candy Striper at the Knox Hospital in Rockland. She attended Rockland schools and married her sweetheart March 8, 1958. Ward and Hotty made their home in Thomaston for 66 years, where they raised their five children.

Hotty was most content being a homemaker, wife, mother, and Grammie. She was a beautiful seamstress, cook, baker, doll maker, and costume maker. There was never a day when her children got off the bus and there wasn’t a freshly baked snack awaiting.

Hotty was well remembered for her Thomaston 4th of July floats, after-school craft classes, holiday parties, and magnificent Christmas baskets. Hotty thrived in attending all of her children’s sports practices/games, dance practices/recitals and was quick to give any child a ride to events when needed. She volunteered at local schools and coached a pee-wee basketball team. Hotty had a passion for antiques and crafts. She participated in numerous, local craft fairs and at one time opened a home-based antique/craft shop.

Favorite past-times were spending days at Glen Cove beach as a child, and later Sandy Shores Campground. She had a love for roller skating, dancing at Echo Hill, playing dodge ball, kick-the-can, board games, crocheting, and cooking with her family.

Hotty was a unique, sassy, loving, funny, Barbie-Doll-collecting, die-hard Elvis fan. She was a strong-willed woman, which enabled her to fight and endure her lengthy medical ordeals. Hotty made her final journey, is now at peace, pain free, and will always remain close to our hearts.

Hotty was pre-deceased by her sister Betty; brother, Darrell; Uncle Howard “Bud” Varney; both parents, and several close relatives.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Ward Sr; son Ward Grafton, Jr; son Todd Grafton; daughter Tracy Smith her husband Daren, and their children Daren II (Emily), William and great-grandson Grayson; daughter Paula Grafton and her children Samantha and Jessie; daughter Jayne Sullivan her husband Stephen, and their children Dustin (Carrie), Zachary, Evan and great-grandson Wyatt; brothers, Herbert ‘Richard’ Micue (Bonnie), John Cross (Gail), Robert Genevicz (Becky); sister Shirley Rogers; sister-in-law Ginger Micue; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Pen Bay Hospital, Windward Gardens, and The Sussman House. Special thanks and appreciation to her provider Karin McDonald, FNP.

The family will honor Hotty’s request for a private ceremony to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Sussman House, 40 Anchor Drive, Rockport, ME 04856 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are with Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.