BELFAST — Norma Hatch Dutch passed peacefully on Feb. 7, 2017, in the Hospice Unit at Waldo County General Hospital. She had been surrounded by family and friends each day during her three-week stay.

Norma was born in Belfast on Sept. 28, 1929, to Howard Walter Hatch and Thelma Clement Hatch, residing in the Head of the Tide neighborhood of Belfast. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 43 years, Dryden C. Dutch; her son, Larry and daughter-in-law RoAnn; her daughter, Julie Dutch Marriner; and her sisters-in-law, Joan F. Dutch and Elizabeth H. Hatch.

She is survived by her brother, James G. Hatch Sr.; her brother-in law, Bryant R. Dutch; her son, Dr. Jeffery J. Dutch and his wife, Mary; her son-in-law, Michael Marriner; her grandson, Alfred J. Dutch II; her granddaughter, Lisa Dutch Chase and her husband, Cory, and their children, Hagen and Ella; her granddaughter, Melissa Marriner Veilleux and her husband, Travis, and their children, Alex, Tanner and Eli; her granddaughter, Erin Dutch Payson and her husband, Kyle, and their children, Kayla Marie and Kyle James; and grandson, Daniel Marriner and his wife, Jamie, and their children, Levi and Lane; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and their offspring on both the Hatch and Dutch sides of the family trees, all who held their own special place in Norma's enormous heart.

Norma literally crossed the street to attend Head of the Tide elementary school thru seventh-grade, and graduated Crosby High School with the Class of 1947. She excelled at basketball and was a cheerleader at Crosby. Her college career at University of Maine, Orono, was cut short when she married her high school sweetheart, Dryden Dutch, in 1948 and then concentrated on the domestic responsibilities of caring for her husband and eventually three active children.

With the passing of her mother in 1961, Norma became the second in command at H.W. Hatch Wholesale Confectionary and Tobacco on Main Street in Belfast. Despite these business responsibilities, she managed her household duties, providing for all the needs of her hungry, athletic children and husband, and still made time to attend the majority of their three-season school activities. That approach didn't change as it became following the lives and the games of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Norma has long had the distinction of being "hostess with the mostest," eagerly opening her doors for adult and children parties at Head of the Tide, the High Street and Glenview Lane homes. Dryden's 10 years going through the chairs of Anah Temple Shrine, ascending to potentate, required much time and attention to hosting fellow Divan and visiting dignitaries and their wives. She continued after Dryden's passing in 1991 as matriach of the family, hosting holidays, birthdays and extended family gatherings.

Dryden and Norma were active in their community, leading the Belfast Area High School Boosters Club during the boys high school athletic seasons. They served as presidents and traveling ambassadors for Belfast Curling Club, and as members at Northport Golf Club, while Norma served on the Board of Directors and attained the status of life member.

An adult relationship that began early in Norma and Dryden's marriage was with Robert and Maxine Ellis of Brooks. Bob's younger brother, Vaughan, became Norma's "boyfriend" some 22 years ago. The special bonding of these two has created a blending of the two families, and our family is eternally grateful for the loving care and attention Vaughan has showered on our mom the last few years of her life.

Our extended family wishes to thank the doctors, nursing staff, special technicians and hospice staff and volunteers at WCGH for the exceptional care and loving touch they have provided for our mom and family. Additionally, Bob Richards and the EMT crew who arrived to attend to Norma's injuries and transport to WCGH ED services was swift and professional care - we thank you for that.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 11 a.m. at the First Church in Belfast, 8 Court St. in Belfast.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions in her memory to Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County, P.O. Box 772, Belfast, ME 04915.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.