Doris L. (Roberts) Hatch, obituary

Tue, 03/05/2019 - 10:00am

THOMASTON – Doris L. (Roberts) Hatch, 96, passed away Sunday, February 24, 2019 at the Knox Center in Rockland.Doris was born August 15, 1922 on the island of Islesboro, Maine, the daughter of Lawrence J. and Olive (McCarty) Roberts.

She graduated Valedictorian of her class from Islesboro High School in 1940, then attended Eastern State Normal School in Castine, Maine.

Doris married Wyman Hatch on September 19, 1942. She worked at Pratt Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut during World War II. She returned home to Islesboro while her husband served overseas, and for the birth of her son Lewis in 1944. The family moved to the Ridge Road in Martinsville several years later, and raised their four children there

When her children were older, Doris returned to work and school, graduating with a teaching degree from the University of Maine in 1971. She worked first as substitute teacher at South School in Rockland, as a teacher’s aide in Warren, then taught full time for 21 years at the Friendship Village School, mostly in first grade. She is remembered by her students as being a strict teacher with high expectations, who left a strong impression and taught them valuable lessons that they carried with them throughout life. She had an amazing memory and could easily share recollections of students she taught over 40 years ago.

Doris relocated to Cushing in the early-1970’s, and then Thomaston in 1983. After her retirement, she was a Deacon at the Federated Church of Thomaston, and a member of the Church since 1986. She was a member of Knox County Retired Teachers and served as Treasurer for several years. She spent many hours tending to her beautiful gardens at her house in Thomaston. She also enjoyed traveling to many places, including Europe, and spending her winters in Florida with family.

Doris was predeceased by a son, Glenn Hatch, and her brothers John Roberts, Allen Roberts and Ralph Roberts. She is survived by her children Lewis (Duffy) Hatch and wife Barbara of Cushing, Carol Melquist of Bolton, Copnnecticut and Gary Hatch of Owls Head. She has six grandchildren, Terry Veo (Mitchell) of Bolton, Connecticut, Robin Spear (William) of Rockport, Vicki Hatch of Hope, Steven Hatch (Bridget) of Brunswick, Katie Hatch of Somerville, Massachusetts, Shane Hatch (Kai Smith) of Owls Head. Her great-grandchildren are Patricia Veo, Erik Veo, Griffin Spear, Lauren Spear, Finnegan Hatch, and great-great grandchildren are Aiden Bengston and Isabella Flood.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 8 tat 2 p.m. at the Ridge Church Cemetery in Martinsville with a gathering at Hall’s Funeral Home, 78 Main St., Thomaston after the service.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Federated Church of Thomaston, 8 Hyler St.,Thomaston, ME 04861.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral and Cremation Services in Thomaston. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.