CAMDEN — Loel Mae Kline, nee Schoonover, born on June 9, 1947, in Monroe, New York, peacefully left this world on December 11, 2023, at her home in Camden, after a courageous battle with dementia. She was the beloved daughter of Robert Schoonover and Mae Smith Schoonover and the youngest of three siblings.

Loel’s journey through life was marked by boundless love, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of children. After completing her high school education in Monroe, she earned her BA in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College. In 1969, she married the love of her life, Dr. Edgar “Ned “Kline III, and together they embarked on a journey to Maine.

The young couple settled in China, in 1972, and in 1975, Loel founded Frog Hollow Nursery School, a nursery school that became a treasured part of the community for over 20 years. Hundreds of children and families in the region were touched by Loel’s warmth and dedication. Loel also worked with Child Development Services, providing special education services, as well as love and support, to children with special needs and their families.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Loel found joy in family life. She and Ned welcomed two children, Matthew in 1972 and Katie in 1974. The family enjoyed sailing on Penobscot Bay and skiing at Squaw Mountain and Sugarloaf. An avid skier, Loel volunteered on the ski patrol at Squaw in the 1970s.

Loel’s interests extended to literature, and she actively participated in the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China and China Elementary School. Gardening brought her immense pleasure, and she cultivated both a vibrant flower garden and a bountiful vegetable garden. She loved spending time in nature; birding, hiking, and canoeing. Loel cared deeply for animals and had many adored pets throughout her life.

In 1999, Loel and Ned moved to Camden, where their love for family and adventure continued to thrive. From 2003 to 2007, they were blessed with four grandchildren — Mattijes, Annie, Willem, and Emmett. Loel embraced her role of Nana with great enthusiasm, sharing her passions for swimming, skiing, reading, gardening, hiking, and playtime with her beloved grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Loel and Ned maintained their love for sailing on Penobscot Bay, skiing at Sugarloaf, and spending time with friends and family. Loel’s legacy lives on through the love she shared and the impact she made on the lives of those she touched.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ned; their two children, Matthew and his wife Marieka, Kate and her husband Tom; their four adoring grandchildren; and her dear nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law.

In celebrating Loel’s life, may we find solace in the many memories of her kindness, generosity, and the profound love she shared with all who knew her.

A memorial service is planned for summer, 2024 in Camden.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China. Condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.