ROCKLAND — Isabelle A. Hoch, 85, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, died peacefully May 9, 2020.

Born in Rockport, December 29, 1934, she was the daughter of Earle and Agnes Patterson Firth. The family moved to Blue Hill, Maine, when Isabelle was young, and her parents worked for author E.B. White. When Isabelle was in fourth grade her family moved to Rockland. She attended McLain School, was active at Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church, and graduated from Rockland High School in 1952.

One day, David R. Hoch spotted Isabelle on the bus and ultimately found a way to get a date with her. They fell in love and decided to get married when David returned from military service in Korea. They married on the Fourth of July 1954. Soon after, Isabelle and David bought the house at 41 Masonic Street which they have enjoyed ever since. Their son, David W. Hoch, and grandson, Samuel, live nearby and were a great joy to Isabelle.

Isabelle was a member of the Rockland Historical Society. She loved history and discovered she was related to the great shipbuilder Donald McKay. She and David have done much to share the history of the Rockland lime
industry since David retired as president of the Rockland Rockport Lime Company.

Isabelle was pleased to help publish Dai Uy Hoch, the story of David’s brother, Wesley Hoch’s time in Viet Nam. Isabelle also enjoyed volunteering at the St. Bernards Catholic Church Soup Kitchen, preparing meals for those in need.

She was always doing something for others with a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed.

Across the years I will walk with you – in deep green forests, on shores of sand; And when our time on earth is through, in heaven too, you will have my hand. –  Robert Sexton, author

Isabelle is at home with the Lord.

Due to present social gathering restrictions, burial at Achorn Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Rockland Historical Society, P.O. Box 1331, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory or story with Isabelle’s family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.